Earth Day Celebrated in Florida Keys with Sea Turtle Release

This Green Scene story spotlights an environmentally focused attraction, event, person or place that enriches the Florida Keys

MARATHON, Florida Keys -- In honor of Earth Day, staff from the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital released a rehabilitated green sea turtle back to the ocean Friday off Marathon.

Onlookers gathered to cheer the successful release of “TJ Sharp,” a 65-pound juvenile sea turtle that was rescued in February. The endangered reptile was discovered floating offshore, unable to dive and visibly affected by fibropapillomatosis, a condition that causes cauliflower-like tumors and affects sea turtles around the world.

TJ’s condition upon arrival at the Turtle Hospital required surgical removal of the tumors and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a nourishing diet of greens and mixed seafood.

“Sea turtles are the oldest animal known to man — to be able to take a sea turtle, rehabilitate it and return it to its ocean home on Earth Day, it’s just an amazing day,” said Bette Zirkelbach, general manager of the Turtle Hospital.

Zirkelbach said that although Earth Day is recognized once a year, humans can take regular steps to protect marine resources and the survival of sea turtles.

“What people need to do to make every day Earth Day is to reduce single-use plastics, keep trash out of our oceans and help keep our planet clean,” Zirkelbach added.

Located in Marathon in the Middle Keys, the Turtle Hospital is the world’s first veterinary hospital dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. The facility has been rescuing, rehabilitating and returning turtles to the wild for more than 35 years.

Spring also marks the beginning of sea turtle nesting season, which traditionally runs from March through the end of October.  

Keys visitors and residents are commemorating Earth Day’s significance with outdoor activities throughout the weekend, including Mote Marine Laboratory’s 10th Annual Ocean Fest: A Community Celebration, Saturday, April 23, in Key West.