'Miracle turtle' released as crowd cheers in Fla.

[Judi Lynn]

Posted: 5:00 PM
Updated: 3:15 PM
'Miracle turtle' released as crowd cheers in Fla.
MATT SEDENSKY,Associated Press

JUNO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A badly injured sea turtle that underwent a year of rehabilitation and innovative surgeries was released Wednesday by caretakers hoping he finds a mate and helps his endangered species prosper.

Andre, as the 177-pound green sea turtle is known, crawled into the water and swam out of sight before a crowd of hundreds of raucous supporters. He was near death when he was found split open and stranded last year.

"He has overcome obstacles, predators, food scarcities, cold winters — any number of things that may have ended his life — and he has survived," said Dr. Nancy Mettee, a veterinarian at Loggerhead Marinelife Center who cared for Andre. "He's really a miracle turtle."

When Andre was found stranded on a sandbar on June 15, 2010, he had gaping holes in his shell, the result of two apparent boat strikes. More than three pounds of sand were inside him, along with at least a couple of crabs, a raging infection and a collapsed lung. His spinal cord was exposed, pneumonia was plaguing him and death seemed certain.

More:
http://www.timesleader.com/features/Miracle-turtle-released-as-crowd-cheers-in-Fla-.html

[monmouth]

1. Too bad humans can't get the same care..n/t

[FiveGoodMen]

2. Hear, hear!

[Judi Lynn]

3. Humans in boats ran over this creature twice, and he would have died without special measures. n/t

[monmouth]

6. I understand that, I'm just saying humans could use some TLC also..n/t

[valerief]

4. +1 gazillion!

[Lorien]

5. Um, volunteers helped the turtle, humans at BP made turtles more endangered

Doctors without Borders does volunteer medical work. The thing is, THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO. Don't begrudge the turtle what little human kindness we afford it's species. We are, after all, the most destructive animal this planet has ever known.

[monmouth]

7. I understand that and most certainly don't begrudge the wonderful

care the turtle was given. My remark was an aside as to how we can care for animals, humans are very often left to fend for themselves.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

8. Obstructionist turtle on the loose in Washington.

Sorry, couldn't help myself. :evilgrin:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8AKPDzJsRAA/TNMWzmQ4YII/AAAAAAAAB0k/vHykTroCmkY/s1600/mcconnell+turtle.jpg

[TheBigotBasher]

9. Miracle turtle?

This one who walks and talks (although programmed to say just a few lines)

[aikoaiko]

10. My 6 year old just spent a week at sea turtle camp. He'll be happy to hear this.

Thanks.