Loggerhead sea turtle returns to Atlantic Ocean after rehabilitation in Florida

Bubba is said to have been injured by a predator.

Published Jul 13

Bubba moves into the water during his release back into the Atlantic Ocean at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach

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 — Bubba received medical treatment at the Sea Turtle Healing Centre at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida (Brevard Zoo via AP)

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 — Bubba is estimated at between 60 and 75 years old (Brevard Zoo via AP)

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 — The seagoing reptile had an infestation of sea leeches as well as injuries from a predator (Brevard Zoo via AP)

Biologists estimate Bubba is 60 to 75 years old.