At the end of June 2021, a massive loggerhead turtle was found at Hobe Sound, FL with a line wrapped around her neck, fin and both front flippers. Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) rescued the turtle and began the process of rehabilitation. Her fin would eventually require surgical removal.
After bringing her in, LMC gave us the opportunity to give her an honorary name. We chose “Khoa” which means “Science” and “Intellect” in Vietnamese. We have supported Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s mission with STEAM grants designed to support their educational and rescue missions.
On Wednesday, January 19th, after successful treatment and rehabilitation, we witnessed the release of Khoa back into the wild. Out of the 83 sea turtles that Loggerhead cared for in 2021, she was the last patient to be released.
Sea Turtles are admitted to Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s hospital after stranding. LMC often sees an increase in strandings each March, when nesting season begins. During this time, sea turtle populations move closer to shore and risks from human interaction increase.
This has been a beautiful journey to watch, from her discovery in July 2021, through her rehabilitation and surgery at Loggerhead, and today, here release into the ocean.
Khoa is a Loggerhead Sea Turtle, and was rescued by Loggerhead Marinelife Center. She is 209 lbs, and was rehabilitated over the course of several months. She was closely monitored with routine diagnostics by Loggerhead hospital team members.
We are proud of the work that Loggerhead does on a daily basis and we will continue to work with them to help turtles around us. Follow Khoa’s journey at Loggerhead Marinelife Center.