Sir Hooks A Lot has had a glow up since this arrival!

It’s time for a double dose of sea turtle release fun! Juvenile green sea turtles Sir Hooks A Lot and Stag finishing months-long rehabilitation at East Coast Zoological Foundation’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center at Brevard Zoo. These two sea turtles will be heading home to the ocean after being found wrapped in fishing gear in two separate instances.  

The duo will be released at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, from Lori Wilson Park, 1500 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. This event is open to the public and will take place rain or shine. We will delay or cancel if lightning is detected in the area. 

Both sea turtles were found separately struggling on the water at Jetty Park pier in Port Canaveral, a popular fishing spot. 

Sir Hooks A Lot was brought to the Rehabilitation Center in January by the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. Unfortunately, this turtle was likely looking for an easy snack near the pier when some derelict fishing lures and line bound the turtle to a pillion. Sir Hooks A Lot had a large lure with three treble hooks embedded in areas of their body, including the right eyelid and right front flipper. This sticky situation inspired the turtle’s namesake. A fishing line connected to the lures was wrapped around their neck and both front flippers.   

The Zoo’s veterinary team removed the hooks and line from the turtle. This turtle was treated for those injuries and pneumonia with antibiotics, fluid therapy and pain medication. Sir Hooks A Lot recovered quickly from the wounds and has no extensive damage to the eyes or flippers.  

Good luck, Stag!

Stag arrived at the Rehabilitation Center in February after being found with fishing line wrapped around their head, neck and flippers. This green sea turtle dealt with pneumonia, which caused some buoyancy issues during their stay. With rest, medication and good nutrition, Stag is ready to head back to the ocean.  

Sir Hooks A Lot’s name may be a bit self-explanatory, but Stag received their name after being found on Feb. 15, the day after Valentine’s Day – and National Singles Awareness Day.

We are thrilled to be wishing Sir Hooks A Lot and Stag well on their journey home! Interested in learning about future sea turtle releases? Sign up for our email alert!

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.