We have some oh-so-sweet news: Cupcake the juvenile green sea turtle was privately released back to their ocean home after a nearly 3-month stay at our Sea Turtle Healing Center.  

Cupcake came to us on Dec. 16, 2024 – National Cupcake Day – after being stranded in Cocoa Beach. Thank you to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society for bringing this lethargic young turtle covered in leech eggs and other epibiota to us! 

Cupcake received medication to alleviate some gas issues that were causing them to be buoyant along with iron to help with their anemia. Along with some rest and good nutrition, Cupcake recovered well during their stay with us.  

This green sea turtle did show evidence of a previous boat strike – a mark on their carapace. While it didn’t cause any damage, it did show a close call.  

Boat strikes are a common injury that brings turtles into our care.  Sea turtles in our local waterways face major risks if we don’t take proper precautions. Boaters can help by assigning a passenger to watch out for wildlife and reducing their speed. Investing in a propeller guard can also protect sea turtles and your vessel from harm.    

By taking these simple steps, we can make a meaningful difference to make sure our waters remain safe for both sea turtles and boaters alike.   

Have you found a sea turtle that needs help? Visit this page or call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646. Want to help the Sea Turtle Healing Center? Support our Zoo, or view our Healing Center’s wishlist.