Before going back into the wild, Purple received a PIT tag and microchip for future identification. Manatee County sea turtle volunteers assisted The Florida Aquarium team during Friday’s release off Anna Maria Island.
“Every sea turtle release reflects months of intensive care and collaboration,” Alyssa Fessett, manager of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, said. “Purple’s recovery is a direct result of that work, and it’s always meaningful to see a patient return to its home healthy and strong.”