Houston Zoo gives four sea turtles a new chance at life in the wild

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Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo released four rescued sea turtles back into the wild on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

HOUSTON – Nature has brought some positive perspectives during the coronavirus pandemic and four local sea turtles are getting to be part of the good news.

According to the Houston Zoo, three green sea turtles were found earlier this year near Lake Jackson and Freeport.

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The turtles were cold stunned and underweight when they were rescued, but after months of veterinary care and rehabilitation, they were able to regain full health.

According to the Houston Zoo, the fourth turtle – a Kemp’s ridley turtle – was on a hook and line in early May. The hook penetrated the floor of the turtle’s mouth, but it was removed, and the animal was given antibiotics until the wound healed, the zoo said.

On Tuesday, all four turtles were released back into the wild. The three green turtles were released in Christmas Bay and the Kemp’s ridley was released into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the zoo.

Anyone who finds or accidentally catches a sea turtle is asked to contact 1-866-TURTLE-5, so that an expert can assess the turtle and provide care if needed.


About the Author

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.

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