Celebration at Sombrero Beach

A lively crowd gathered on Sombrero Beach to celebrate the return of Addie, a juvenile green sea turtle, to her natural habitat. This occasion marked the culmination of Addie’s rehabilitation journey, which began at the Florida Keys Turtle Hospital in August 2024.

Addie’s Journey to Recovery

Addie’s health complications began when she ingested a fishing hook, resulting in it becoming lodged in her esophagus. According to Bette Zirkelbach, manager of the Florida Keys Turtle Hospital, “She had a fishing hook deeply embedded in her esophagus. She was covered in fibropapilloma tumors.”

Her initial prognosis was concerning, as she struggled to recover post-surgery. For an entire month, Addie was placed on a specialized shower bed where she received physical therapy and was nourished through a feeding tube twice daily. The recovery process was filled with challenges; her medical team had to resuscitate her three times.

Return to the Ocean

On Earth Day, the community came together to support Addie’s release back into the Atlantic Ocean, where she is set to start anew. The joyful atmosphere was palpable as cheers erupted from the crowd, celebrating the turtle’s remarkable comeback.