Loggerhead Turtle Dilly Dally Released Back into the Wild
Juno Beach, Fla. — A young loggerhead sea turtle named Dilly Dally made her way back into the Atlantic Ocean Wednesday morning. This release came after months of recovery following the amputation of her front flipper at a local turtle hospital.
Dilly Dally was brought to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in January due to injuries inflicted by predators. The dedicated veterinary staff at the Juno Beach facility worked tirelessly to rehabilitate her.
Veterinary technician Marika Weber expressed the excitement of the day, saying, “Every time we can release a turtle back into the wild is special. It’s rewarding not just for us, but for all the interns and volunteers who invested effort in getting these turtles back on their journey.”
Heavy weather nearly delayed the release, but the team made the short trip to the beach where onlookers cheered as Dilly Dally re-entered the ocean.
To track Dilly Dally’s future movements, a satellite device was attached to her shell. This partnership with the Smithsonian allows both the center and the public to follow her progress.
Weber noted the significance of the satellite tag, saying, “Now we can get real-time data on where she goes. It will be really helpful to understand the patterns of these three-flipper turtles once they are released.”
All sea turtles face threats to their populations, making each successful rehabilitation crucial for conservation efforts.
“Every turtle we can save is a win for the species,” Weber added.
