VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Marine Science Center in Volusia County is celebrating the successful rehabilitation of four juvenile green sea turtles with a public release Tuesday, March 19.
The Science Center will release the turtles into the ocean at 11 a.m. at the Beach Street Ponce Inlet beach approach.
Paid beach parking is available on the south side of the ramp, or residents can park for free at the Marine Science Center and walk to the beach.
All four turtles were rescued within Volusia County:
Waccasassa was rescued from Daytona Beach in August 2023 and found with neurologic symptoms and unable to open its mouth. A feeding to tube was placed, and the turtle received supportive care for several months. Waccasassa was also treated at a local veterinary clinic over the course of several weeks.
El Dorado was found stranded in New Smyrna Beach in December 2023 with heavy amounts of epibiota (organisms living on the shell of the turtle, along with lethargy and pneumonia. El Dorado was treated with nebulization, antibiotics, fluids and vitamins.
Noyan was found floating and unable to dive due to buoyancy issues in Edgewater on Feb. 3, 2024. Noyan was also diagnosed with gastrointestinal issues and treated with gastrointestinal motility medications, fluids, antibiotics, and vitamins.
Orla was found in New Smyrna Beach on Feb. 4, 2024, presenting mild acidosis and lethargy. Orla was treated with fluids, vitamins, and antibiotics.
The Marine Science Center is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of turtles, reptiles, and seabirds. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.