Bowtie had a short and sweet stay with us.

Bowtie, a juvenile green sea turtle, is headed back to the ocean thanks to our East Coast Zoological Foundation’s (ECZF) Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center at Brevard Zoo.

Bowtie will be released from Lori Wilson Park on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. Flippers will be in the water at 11 a.m. sharp. This release will take place rain or shine, although it may be delayed or canceled if there is lightning in the area.

Bowtie arrived in mid-August after a fisherman had reported accidentally hooking the turtle at Jetty Pier Park in Port Canaveral. The large hook had lodged under the turtle’s neck. Luckily, the veterinary team was able to immediately remove the hook. There was also a hook in Bowtie’s esophagus, which was removed by our skilled veterinarians using a video endoscope. Bowtie was in otherwise good health upon arrival, and they recovered quickly from both procedures. The team is happy to say a quick goodbye to this small turtle.

ECZF encourages fishermen to always be on the lookout for turtles hanging out nearby. If you see a turtle that frequents your pier, consider not fishing while the turtle is in the area. Likewise, if you see an injured sea turtle or one struggling with fishing gear entanglement, please report it to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society by calling 321-206-0646. Make sure to not touch the turtle, as you may do more harm than good.

The Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center is grateful for support from Protect Wild Dolphins Alliance, through its Protect Marine Wildlife specialty license plate program.

Have you found a sea turtle that needs help? Visit this page or call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646. For anywhere in Florida contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions’ Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.

Want to help the Sea Turtle Healing Center? Support our Zoo, or view our Rehabilitation Center’s wishlist.