Dilly Dally, a 2-year-old loggerhead sea turtle, was released back into the Atlantic Ocean after receiving treatment for a front flipper injury at a Florida turtle hospital. The adolescent turtle had been living at Loggerhead Marinelife Center since January when it was found with severe injuries to its left front flipper.
Treatment and Recovery
- Surgery: Veterinarians performed surgery to remove the injured limb and stitched up other wounds.
- Veterinarian Insight: Marika Weber, a veterinary technician at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, emphasized the significance of Dilly’s release, stating, "We’ve had turtles come in with different types of injuries. This one felt extra special because we were able to help her get back out there."
Importance of Flippers
Weber explained that while many people may think turtles can swim well without flippers, they actually rely on them more than most realize, especially during storms or strong currents.
- Swimming Ability: "Turtles are very good swimmers," she noted. "They’re able to swim long distances without getting tired easily."
Research and Tracking
Researchers have limited knowledge about how long-flippered turtles survive in the wild due to a lack of studies. To help fill these gaps, Dilly’s movements will be tracked using satellite technology provided by the Smithsonian Institution.
- Tracking Devices: These devices are attached under the shell of each turtle before release, allowing scientists to monitor their movements and learn more about their behavior post-rehabilitation.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center has collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution for over 10 years, collecting over 1 million miles of data from satellite trackers on sea turtles worldwide.
Future Research
Dr. Blair Witherington of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, who works closely with Loggerhead Marinelife Center, expressed excitement about the project. He is particularly interested in understanding how long-flippered loggerheads survive after rehabilitation, as there is limited information on this topic.
Conclusion
The release of Dilly Dally not only marks a significant moment for the turtle but also contributes to ongoing research that could enhance conservation efforts for sea turtles and other marine animals.
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