COCOA BEACH, Fla. — One of Brevard Zoo's largest loggerhead sea turtles was released back into the wild after he was rescued and rehabilitated for three months.
Bubba was found in St. Lucie County in April with injuries on his front flippers likely due to a predator attack. The 375-pound sea turtle was also dealing with an infestation of marine leeches, causing him to be anemic, according to the zoo. Biologists used a crane to pull him out of the water and drove him to Brevard Zoo's Healing Center.
Over three months, Bubba received wound cleanings and cold laser therapy to heal his flippers. While the turtle was not tagged, the team at the zoo said he is between 60-75 years old and likely a great-grandfather.
Bubba was released on Wednesday at Cocoa Beach with a large crowd of onlookers cheering and clapping as he crawled his way back home.
