FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A "very large" sea turtle was rescued with help from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue Monday morning.
The turtle was reportedly found stuck in the coquina rocks along the sand dunes just south of Marineland, deputies said in a Facebook post.
Turtle Patrol was called in and consulted with deputies, who advised to release the struggling turtle into the ocean, the sheriff's office said.
In the video, an FCSO deputy and three Fire Rescue members managed to lift the turtle out of the rocks and carry it back to the ocean. But, it was no easy task, as the four rescuers had to stop twice to readjust due to the weight of the turtle.
Once it reached the water, the turtle began moving its flippers excitedly before swimming off into the sunset.
The National Ocean Service (NOS) says sea turtles are one of the world's most endangered species.
On top of being endangered, the sea turtle is also one of the world's most ancient species, dating back to the time of dinosaurs (about 110 million years), NOS said in a recent study.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says people should perform the following steps to help preserve this endangered species:
- Choose seafood caught in ways that do not harm or kill turtles
- Become involved in sea turtle conservation efforts
- Contact your local sea turtle patrol if you see a sick or injured turtle
- Never feed or attempt to feed sea turtles. It is illegal and harmful to their well-being
For more information on sea turtles from NOAA, click here.