Rehabilitated sea turtle released in Ponce Inlet

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A loggerhead sea turtle was released back into the wild Saturday in Ponce Inlet.

Journey, the turtle, has spent the last two months being rehabbed at the Marine Science Center turtle hospital in Volusia County, officials said.

Residents in New Smyrna Beach found Journey Feb. 26 entangled around a dock pylon in the water near a home, officials said.

The turtle had also swallowed a large, commercial long-line fishing hook that protruded out of its mouth and became entangled around the pylon, officials said.

Journey tried to break free, but the hook damaged the side of his mouth and went deeper into his esophagus, officials said.

If Journey had been found later, it would have drowned, officials said.

The hook was removed during surgery, officials said. They also found Journey had ingested a lot of plastic while in the wild.

During his two-month stay in rehabilitation at the Marine Science Center turtle hospital, Journey has gained more than 6.5 pounds and now weighs a healthy 83.6 pounds, officials said.

Cox Media Group