Around 9:00 a.m. yesterday, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit responded to a call of a possible swimmer in distress in the Indian River Lagoon.
Upon arrival, Sheriff’s helicopter personnel determined it was not a swimmer that needed help, but it was a large sea turtle. The Melbourne Police Marine Unit was then called upon to help aid the turtle.
Melbourne Police Officers Kevin Palmeri and Amy Perez, along with Sgt. Byron Keck of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, took the Melbourne Police boat north of the Eau Gallie Causeway to the location of the turtle. Once located, officers noticed that the turtle was bobbing in the water and having a difficult time submerging itself.
The Sea Turtle Preservation Society was contacted and the situation was explained to them. The Preservation Society informed the officers that the turtle needed medical attention and it could die if it was not rescued. It was at this time that the three officers pulled the estimated 200 pound loggerhead turtle up onto the boat and brought it to shore.
Once on shore, Sea Turtle Preservation Society personnel took custody of the loggerhead sea turtle. Officers were informed that the turtle would be brought to Sea World for emergency care and rehabilitation.
SeaWorld Orlando’s turtle experts and vets have been conducting health assessments on the turtle to determine the cause of its behavior, which includes having trouble diving and seeming to be disoriented. The tests have included blood samples, x-rays and behavioral evaluations. At this time no physical health problems have been discovered and the team will continue to care for the 168-pound turtle until its health improves.
SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. So far in 2012, SeaWorld Orlando has rehabilitated 27 turtles.
