Ready to go home, one of our sea turtle patients is! We’re sending green sea turtle Vader back to the ocean following a recent rehabilitation at our Sea Turtle Healing Center.
Vader will be released on World Sea Turtle Day – Monday, June 16 – at 9:30 a.m. from Pelican Beach Park, 1525 Highway A1A in Satellite Beach. The only reason we may cancel or delay the release is if lightning is in the area. Otherwise, expect us to be at full “Force.” All parking fees will be waived only during the release.
Named after the notorious Star Wars villain, Vader the sea turtle will be receiving an out-of-this-world send-off from special guests 'from a galaxy far, far away.' To celebrate Vader and World Sea Turtle Day, multiple booths will be onsite from other vendors and turtle-related groups.
Parking is limited, so please come early and consider carpooling. Flippers will be in the water at 9:30 a.m. sharp!
In April, the green sea turtle Vader was found in the Indian River Lagoon struggling to swim with commercial fishing line wrapped around their throat. The line was wrapped so tightly it prevented Vader from breathing properly, making raspy breaths akin to Darth Vader. Another 7 pounds of discarded fishing line and rope were found dragging behind Vader, likely for a few weeks.
Vader was brought to us from Coastal Connections (thank you!). At our Healing Center, a CT scan revealed that the pressure from the fishing line caused a partial collapse of Vader’s trachea, also known as the windpipe. We also learned Vader had pneumonia. Vader got started right away on nebulizing treatments for pneumonia and anti-inflammatory medication for neck swelling.
Our Healing Center sees many sea turtle patients injured by derelict fishing gear. Even the smallest pieces of fishing equipment can seriously injure marine life. Please be sure to take everything with you – line, hooks, etc. – after fishing.
If you spot a turtle being affected by fishing line, please call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society immediately at 321-206-0646. Even cases seeming minor should be reported, as there is a chance the turtle swallowed fishing line. Please never try to help a struggling animal yourself. Even the most well-meaning attempts can cause further harm to animals.
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