ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld Orlando's rescue team returned an endangered green sea turtle back to the ocean.

• SeaWorld returns green sea turtle to the ocean
• Lederhosen was first rescued in March of 2018
• He had severe trauma and buoyancy issues

The young turtle nicknamed Lederhosen was released off the coast of Brevard County, near the Satellite Beach area on Monday.

Lederhosen was first rescued in March of 2018 and, at the time, he had severe trauma. He also had buoyancy issues and was also lethargic.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officials took Lederhosen to SeaWorld where he spent 17 months at its rehabilitation center. In that time, he wore a specialized buoyancy vest to help him adapt. The vest resembled lederhosen, hence the name.

The turtle also was taken to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay where veterinarians fixed a fractured femur.  

After being able to dive on his own, SeaWorld's team determined he was able to return to the ocean.

SeaWorld's rescue team has helped rescue more than 35,000 sick, injured and orphaned animals.