Pregnant Loggerhead Rescued Turtle Declared Healthy

An endangered loggerhead sea turtle that was rescued Tuesday after it was found trapped under large rocks on an inlet jetty at the north end of Palm Beach was finally released Friday afternoon, reports Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach.

The pregnant turtle Emily, weighing 182 pounds, was rescued with the assistance of firefighters and kept under observation. It was under constant monitoring at an animal clinic, to ensure that internal bleeding had stopped.

The turtle had some internal bleeding, and veterinarians conducted an ultrasound Friday to determine that the eggs were safe and viable. Later, officials at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach tagged Emily with monitoring devices. They have also given her a flipper before releasing her into the ocean so that she can continue with her nesting.

Reports according to the Palm Beach Daily News state that Emily was expected to lay her eggs on Friday or Saturday. She will most likely lay her eggs on the same beach where she was rescued.

Chritsine Perretta noticed the turtle trapped in between the jetty and rock while walking along the beach a few days ago. Firefighters had to lift one of the rocks so as to rescue Emily.

Doctors report that during the nesting season, most turtles get confused as to where they are heading, and end up getting caught in between the rocks or boulders, reports Examiner.

According to the Conservation group, nearly 40 leatherback nests have been recorded since May 1, and up to 28 loggerhead nests are seen in the survey area. When compared to last year, this year's count is low. Last year, the count was 92 leatherback nests and 68 loggerhead nests recorded at the same time, reports Nature World News.