Rescued sea turtle released, to be tracked during Tour de Turtles

MARATHON, Fla. (AP) — A juvenile green sea turtle that underwent multiple surgeries to remove cauliflowerlike tumors was released last week off the Florida Keys with a satellite-tracking transmitter.

Tortie was treated at the Keys-based Turtle Hospital after being rescued in December. The turtle was unable to dive and suffering from fibropapillomatosis, a debilitating tumor-causing disease that develops from a herpeslike virus that affects sea turtle species around the world.

After Tortie’s tumors were removed, the reptile’s treatment included antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a diet of mixed seafood and greens.

The turtle’s satellite tracker will be monitored as part of the 15th annual Tour de Turtles, an online “race” organized by the Sea Turtle Conservancy that follows the long-distance migration of a contingent of sea turtles over three months.

“In addition to the educational aspect of the Tour de Turtles, we’re also learning about where these turtles are going and then can look and see if there are any threats that the turtles face in these areas,” said Dan Evans, senior research biologist with the conservancy.

“One sea turtle can make a difference, not only going back to the ocean and having baby sea turtles, but the bigger reach is helping people to care about sea turtles and our oceans,” said Bette Zirkelbach, the hospital’s general manager.