An injured sea turtle found a year ago in Sarasota is back swimming in the wild.
On Monday, Mote Marine Laboratory staff released a rehabilitated sea turtle from the shores of Longboat Key.
The juvenile green sea turtle, nicknamed CJ, was found with a severe boat strike injury in September 2013 at a dock near Mote’s buildings on City Island, Sarasota.
CJ was discovered by Tom Waldrop, who serves as sturgeon production manager at Mote's sustainable fish farming facility, and Mike Leworthy, a technician at the facility.
Waldrop and Leworthy were among the staff who released CJ back into the wild.
“It was such a great feeling to watch CJ swim off," Waldrop said.
CJ’s upper shell was damaged so severely the turtle’s lungs were visible. On Monday, when he was released, he was totally healed.
CJ arrived weighing 12 pounds and returned to sea weighing more than 18 pounds.
"I’m really grateful to our animal rescue and rehabilitation staff for all the care and time they dedicated to getting CJ back into the water,” Waldrop said.
Lynne Byrd, who serves as Mote's rehabilitation and medical care coordinator, said the turtle's release went "very well.
"After entering the water, CJ circled back for a moment and gave us another chance to say goodbye," she said.
Mote officials said CJ’s story serves as a reminder to be vigilant for marine life while boating. About 25-30 percent of all animals rescued or recovered by Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program show signsof boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear or other human interactions.
If you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale within Manatee or Sarasota county waters, please call Mote's Stranding Investigations Program at 941-988-0212.
If you see a stranded or dead manatee anywhere in state waters or a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale outside of Sarasota or Manatee counties, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).