SeaWorld returns endangered sea turtles back to ocean after months of care

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - More than a dozen endangered sea turtles are being given a second chance at life thanks to SeaWorld's rescue team.

On Tuesday, 16 endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles were released back into the waters near Canaveral National Seashore after spending months in SeaWorld Orlando's critical care facilty, according to a press release. Back in December, SeaWorld says that 15 of the sea turtles were pulled from cold waters off the coast of New England by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The turtles were suffering from cold stunning. 

They were flown to Orlando to continue treatment at the theme park. SeaWorld's animal care team found that many of the animal were suffering from pneumonia while others were treated for conditions like corneal ulcers and malnutrition. After three months of medical care, the turtles were cleared for return to the ocean.

SeaWorld says the 16th turtle was rescued from the Atlantic Coast earlier this winter and treated for pneumonia. 

Kemp ridley's are the most endangered species of sea turtles. SeaWorld says if you see an injured marine animal, call FWC at 1-888-404-3922.