JUNO BEACH, Fla. — An enormous sea turtle rescued after suffering injuries from a boat strike earlier this year made its way back into the ocean on Wednesday. The adult female turtle, known as Pennywise, weighing a hefty 302 pounds (137 kilograms), had been undergoing treatment for several months courtesy of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s veterinary team in Palm Beach County, Florida, until she was ready to be released back into her natural habitat.
Transported carefully to the release site, six volunteers guided the turtle across the sand with the help of a gurney as eager onlookers snapped photos and recorded videos of the heartwarming moment. Eventually, they placed Pennywise on the shore where she began her slow journey back to the waters of the Atlantic, greeted by applause and cheers when she reentered her marine environment. Despite still bearing the scar from the boat incident, Pennywise was deemed to be in sound health.
“Boat accidents can often prove fatal for sea turtles,” stated Marika Weber, a veterinary technician affiliated with the center. “Witnessing Pennywise through her recovery process and successfully getting her back in the ocean is an accomplishment we’re incredibly proud of.” Due to her immense size, diagnostic imaging required transporting the turtle to a specialized horse clinic, where the team discovered that she was carrying eggs.
With sea turtle nesting season already in progress, Pennywise has the opportunity to continue her critical role in sustaining marine biodiversity. “Today marked a joyous occasion,” added Weber. “We were joined by our entire hospital team and community members, all gathered to send her off with well-wishes.”
As Florida’s nesting season spans from March 1 to October 31, marine center officials remind boaters to exercise caution and reduce speeds, particularly within the designated sea turtle protection area extending approximately a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the coast. This crucial measure helps to safeguard all sea turtle species, which are classified as either endangered or threatened.