Earth Day: Rehabilitated sea turtle released in Florida Keys

<p>MARATHON, Fla. &mdash; Staff from the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital released a rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtle back to the ocean on Thursday to mark Earth Day.</p>
<p>Nicknamed “Sparb,” the 125-pound (57-kilogram) sub-adult sea turtle was rescued in late January after being discovered floating offshore, unable to dive, with severe wounds and a missing front right flipper.</p>
<p>Typically, sea turtles admitted to the facility are named by their rescuers. Among Sparb’s rescuers was a Keys resident who wished to honor her late husband, who had that nickname and lost his right leg. </p>
<p>When the endangered reptile arrived at the <a href="https://www.turtlehospital.org/">Turtle Hospital</a>, it was in critical condition and was not expected to survive. Treatment included a whole blood transfusion, broad-spectrum antibiotics, extensive wound care, laser therapy, fluids, vitamins and a nourishing diet of fish and squid.</p>
<p>Beyond Earth Day, individuals can make a difference regarding the environment, Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach said.</p>
<p>“We are at that sweet spot in time, there’s an awareness,” Zirkelbach said. “I really believe that today with awareness that every day is Earth Day. </p>
<p>The Turtle Hospital has been rescuing, rehabilitating and returning turtles to the wild for more than 35 years.</p>