People who know the Treasure Coast of Florida are familiar with Loggerhead Marinelife Center and their cutting edge work on turtle rescue and rehabilitation.
Their facility in Juno Beach was recently the scene of a turtle release, unique because 2 turtles, Kiko and Rodeo, were both rescued and operated on in July 2011 for ingestion of monofilament fishing line. They were both released in November 2011 with celebrity pomp and circumstance.
This turtle release especially touched me because I have been watching LMC’s new “TurtleCam” on their website. You can check it out at:
LMC’s turtle releases are open to the public. They rope off an avenue on the beach that allows them to carry the turtles close to the water. The turtle teams unfasten the protective jackets they wear to prevent injury on the trek to the ocean. Spectators on both sides share in this uplifting event, the children especially showing their excitement and joy in the moment.