Rehabilitated Sea Turtle Heads Home

September 25, 2018–Guacamole, a 285-lb green sea turtle, was released by Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center, the first rehabilitated adult green sea turtle released by the Healing Center. Exhausted, emaciated and weighing just 199 lbs., she was admitted to the Healing Center at Brevard Zoo in Viera, Florida on February 24, 2018. Guacamole, nicknamed by her caretakers, had been found on the beach with old predator attack wounds, missing most of her right front flipper and had several lacerations. In the months that followed, Guacamole was treated by zoo expert staff and cared for by volunteers.

On Monday, September 24th, she was sent back to the sea at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, the same beach where she was discovered sick and stranded in February.

Brevard Zoo, in partnership with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, opened the 2,400 sq. ft. Sea Turtle Healing Center in April 2014. Because the beaches of Brevard County are among the world’s most important nesting areas for sea turtles and the largest in the United States, a number of animals are found with injuries and illnesses each year. Prior to the opening of the Healing Center, the challenge faced was the great distance between local beaches and existing sea turtle rehabilitation facilities more than 100 miles away. An in-county facility means a shorter drive for patients, resulting in less stress and quicker treatment for distressed turtles. The facility includes 12 tanks and currently hosts several sea turtles on the mend.

The Brevard Zoo in Viera, Florida is a not-for-profit organization with paid professional staff and more than 400 volunteers. It’s mission is “wildlife conservation through education and participation.” Home to more than 900 animals representing 195 species, Brevard Zoo is built on land donated by A. Duda & Sons, Inc.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BREVARD ZOO IN VIERA