After months of dedicated care, Buckley, a green sea turtle rescued far from the Gulf of Mexico, is set to return to his ocean home. Found stranded in Dixie County in November, Buckley was swiftly taken in by the University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue and The Florida Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center.
Buckley's journey to recovery included regaining weight, stabilizing blood sugar, and healing shell abrasions. Thanks to the dedicated team at the aquarium, Buckley is now healthy and ready to be released at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs. The public is invited to witness this heartwarming event.
Named after Buck Creek, Buckley's story has resonated with the community. Local businessman Ed Buckley contributed significantly to the turtle's care. The Florida Aquarium, a non-profit organization, relies on donations to support its vital sea turtle rehabilitation work, which is crucial as sea turtles face endangerment and lack government funding for rehabilitation efforts.