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VERO BEACH, Fla.- SeaWorld Orlando’s animal care team traveled to Sebastian Inlet in Vero Beach, to release three juvenile green sea turtles into the ocean Thursday morning.

The first turtle released was a 37-pound green sea turtle that was rescued in St. Lucie, by the Inwater Research Group and brought to SeaWorld Orlando on May 5, 2012. The turtle had been bitten by a shark, damaging its shell and front right flipper. SeaWorld performed surgery on May 23, 2012, to remove the front right flipper.

The second turtle released was a 12-pound green sea turtle that was rescued from Melbourne Beach by the Sea Turtle Preservation Society and brought to SeaWorld Orlando on September 25, 2012. The turtle was found with fishing line entangled around its neck and left front flipper. When the turtle arrived at SeaWorld, the fishing line had been removed, along with the right front flipper and a portion of the left front flipper. SeaWorld also found and removed a hook that was embedded in the right rear flipper.

The third turtle released was an 8-pound green sea turtle that was rescued from Sebastian Inlet State Park by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and brought to SeaWorld Orlando on August 28, 2012. The turtle had been washed ashore lethargic, but with good body condition.

During their rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando, the turtles received supportive care with antibiotic treatments until they healed. The turtles were well fed during the duration of their stay and monitored until their release.

(Photo courtesy: SeaWorld)