Threatened Loggerhead Sea Turtle released at Clearwater Beach

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFOL FOX 35) - Toot, a 168-pound threatened sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle was released at Clearwater Beach on Thursday, September 21st.

The Clearwater Aquarium said that fishermen found Toot floating near Tierra Verde in Pinellas County on June 27th. She weighed 130 pounds, was covered in barnacles, and seemed lethargic. 

They decided to bring Toot into the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), where the team carefully removed the barnacles and provided her with fluids, antibiotics, and Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).

Toot received extensive care during her rehabilitation at the CMA, including throughout Hurricane Irma. A team of CMA staff remained at the aquarium during the storm with the animals to continue care and rehabilitation. 

"Our team continues to implement our mission of rescue, rehab, and release no matter the circumstance," says David Yates, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. "Toot and the other animals at CMA continued to be provided with the utmost care during the hurricane, and we are excited to see her return to the wild."