A photo of Jupiter when this loggerhead was first brought to the Zoo’s Healing Center.

Get ready for an out-of-this-world sea turtle release! Jupiter the sub-adult loggerhead is heading home to the ocean after a nearly 3-month rehabilitation at our Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center.  

Jupiter is set to be released at noon on Wednesday, July 31 at Howard E. Futch Memorial Park at Paradise Beach, 2301 N. Highway A1A in Melbourne.   

You’re invited to watch! We ask that you keep in mind that our sea turtle releases are usually busy events, so you may want to come early to get your parking and beach spots. Our amazing Healing Center volunteers will be on hand to make sure we have a safe, fun release – please be sure to follow their instructions when you arrive.  

Our releases are rain or shine – but we may reschedule if there’s lightning in the area for your safety.  

Jupiter playing with their hay play feeder ball!

Now, let’s talk about Jupiter! Jupiter came to our Healing Center in May 2024 after being accidentally hooked by a fisherman, who thankfully followed the correct protocol when a sea turtle is accidentally hooked. If this happens to you, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Number at 1-888-404-3922. 

This sea turtle was emaciated and covered in epibiota like barnacles. After Jupiter had the hook removed, the loggerhead was treated to antibiotics, good food and a rest to prepare them to return to the ocean.  

Jupiter was named by one of our veterinary staff as a birthday treat! The loggerhead will be remembered as a curious and fun turtle who loved to play with a Hay Play Feeder ball! Yes, a toy originally designed for horses! We use it as a form of enrichment to allow a turtle who is almost ready for release to forage for food. 

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.