Two sea turtles released back into the ocean at Jekyll Island after rehabilitation

GLYNN COUNTY, Fla. — The ocean welcomed two sea turtles back into its waves on Friday.

The turtles, two females who have lived at least 30 years, were rehabilitated at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Genie was taken in after a boat struck her in May 2021. She had a fracture across her head and an exposed sinus cavity. She also lost a large chunk around her beak area.

After rounds of antibiotics and other treatments, Genie was able to eat on her own and her wounds were healed.

Margoi was found in July 2021 with a mass on her flipper and lots of barnacles, algae, leeches and leech egg cases on her shell.

She received fluid therapy, antibiotics and other treatments including a fish skin graft. After several weeks, she was fully healed.

Both turtles were at the center for just under a year before they were taken to the Great Dunes Beach on Jekyll Island and released around 9:30 a.m.

The center said this is the first public release since 2019 when the pandemic set in. They said the turtles could return to Georgia to nest in the future.

If you see any sick or injured sea turtles, you can call 800-2SAVEME (800-272-8363).

To learn more about sea turtle protection and laws, visit myfwc.com.

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