CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Sea turtles that were relocated from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium after Hurricane Helene have returned.
Hurricane Helene brought almost 4 feet of water to CMA, damaging the filtration for the sea turtle rehabilitation pools.
On Sept. 28, the turtles in rehabilitation were transferred to Coastal Stewards in Boca Raton to continue treatment, CMA said.
CMA was able to repair the filtration of the turtle rehab pools with emergency funding from the Sea Turtle Grant Program.
“The systems are now functioning and we have resumed operations for the sea turtle rehabilitation program,” said Kerry McNally, PhD, the research scientist and sea turtle rehabilitation manager.
Topaz, Guayana, and Franklin were transferred back to CMA on Monday where they will continue their treatment.
The three turtles stayed in dry docks overnight until a full exam was conducted by veterinarians before they were placed back into the pools, according to CMA.
On Monday, two sea turtles were rescued by CMA and are also starting rehabilitation.
CMA still needs essential medical equipment that was damaged by the Hurricane that helps provide care to sick and injured sea turtles. Donations can be made on their website.