BOCA RATON, Fla. – A sea turtle that was found in December with a head injury was recently released back into the water off Boca Raton after months of rehabilitation.
The male turtle named Blitzen was found Dec. 26 struggling to swim in rough surf by homeowners on Hutchinson Island, who reported the turtle to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission so they could rescue it.
Once ashore, it was discovered that Blitzen was also malnourished and dehydrated.
He was transferred to Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for rehabilitation.
After months of care, Blitzen was fitted with a satellite tag and was released Thursday in the water off Spanish River Park.
Blitzen, who weighs 180 pounds, is believed to be at least 20 years old.
He gained nearly 60 pounds during his rehabilitation and loves eating shrimp popsicles.