Loggerhead sea turtle returns to Atlantic Ocean after rehabilitation in Florida
Bubba is said to have been injured by a predator.
![](https://www.expressandstar.com/resizer/v2/OY6TPYOUQVCCLFHW3KPWJUZBSA.jpg?auth=bfdd0e77def1843b7302cdae8c9acc5eaab3b82c367a45fc16a8c8bec420a33b&width=300&height=225)
A 375lb (170kg) sea turtle has been released back into the Atlantic Ocean after three months of rehabilitation in Florida.
Officials with the Brevard Zoo released a male loggerhead named Bubba on Wednesday afternoon in Cocoa Beach.
![Bubba receives medical attention](http://content.assets.pressassociation.io/AP/2024/07/12/6507d7ff4cd448508ffc8d96fdc4cbe0.jpg?w=640)
Biologists with Inwater Research found Bubba in St Lucie County on April 10, officials said.
After noticing injuries to both front flippers, they used a crane to pull the reptile out of the water and into a carrier in their pickup truck to bring him to the zoo.
![Bubba is hauled down to the beach](http://content.assets.pressassociation.io/AP/2024/07/10/a46a1662f7264b76a083024406a81be2.jpg?w=640)
A preliminary examination found that Bubba had likely been injured in a predator attack.
The sea turtle was also dealing with an intensive infestation of marine leeches, which were causing anaemia.
![Bubba is given some TLC by zoo staff](http://content.assets.pressassociation.io/AP/2024/04/18/9b815d49717f4ce588a0f8dd5655b73d.jpg?w=640)
Biologists estimate Bubba is 60 to 75 years old.