- October 6, 2024
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After three months of rehabilitation at the Marine Science Center’s turtle hospital, a subadult loggerhead sea turtle will return to the sea this week.
Pepper Jack stranded in Daytona Beach on March 30 slightly underweight, lethargic, and covered with barnacles and other organisms. The turtle increased its weight from 111 to 129 pounds following treatment with vitamins, antibiotics, fluids, and a healthy diet of fish and crustaceans.
Weather and surf conditions permitting, Pepper Jack will be released at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 11, at the Beach Street Ramp in Ponce Inlet. Paid beach parking is available on the south side of the ramp, tide permitting. Viewers can also park without charge at the Marine Science Center and walk to the beach.
Since opening in 2002, the Marine Science Center has cared for more than 27,000 turtles and other reptiles. The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Facility at the Marine Science Center has received more than 19,000 birds since opening in 2004.
The Marine Science Center is open to the public at 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet. Visitors may view the turtle hospital and explore a marine display area and bird boardwalk from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.marinesciencecenter.com or call 386-304-5545.
