13-02-2025
Story of ‘survival': Sea turtle found stranded a mile from the Gulf makes return home
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) — A sea turtle that found itself stranded more than a mile from the ocean in November finally made its way back home.
Beachgoers' cheers filled the air Wednesday as the turtle named Buckley made its return to the Gulf waters at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs.
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Staff at The Florida Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center said it was a long-awaited homecoming, and a celebration of 'survival, second chances, and the power of rehabilitation.'
According to officials, a group of Good Samaritans knew Buckley was in trouble when they found the sea turtle on a dirt road in rural Dixie County back in November. Rescuers said Buckley was nowhere near the ocean, and it's unclear how the turtle got there.
A call to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission set Buckley's rescue into motion, with the turtle eventually winding up at The Florida Aquarium's rehabilitation center in Apollo Beach. Staff at the aquarium named the turtle after Buck Creek, which is nearby where Buckley was found.
While at the rehabilitation center, staff members worked to help the turtle regain weight, stabilize dangerously low blood sugar levels and heal scratches to the bottom of its shell, likely sustained from traversing through rough terrain.
By February, the sea turtle was healthy enough to make its return home.
'This is why we do what we do — to see a once-struggling sea turtle like Buckley return home, stronger and healthier. It's heartwarming,' said Ashley Riese, The Florida Aquarium's Sea Turtle Conservation Program Director. 'Buckley's recovery is a testament to the incredible collaboration between rescuers, the aquarium's animal care team, veterinarians, and our entire community.'
Buckley's sendoff on Wednesday, however, may not be the last time beachgoers interact with the turtle.
A satellite tag was attached to the sea turtle's shell so that the community and biologists can continue to track Buckley's travels and gather conservation data.
Each time Buckley surfaces to breathe, the tag will send a signal to a satellite. Staff said this will allow them to track feeding habits, migratory patterns, and environmental conditions like water temperature.
The tracking feature will be live 24 hours to a week after Buckley's release. Click here to follow along with Buckley's journey.
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