JUNO BEACH — Gilda the Loggerhead turtle has got her sea flippers back and is scheduled to head out to open water today - timing that was moved up in hopes of her finding a boyfriend and getting acclimated ahead of any oil spill fall out.
Gilda has been in captivity for more than a year and a half, undergoing multiple surgeries and rehabilitation after a run in with boat propellers.
She's been a patient of Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach since October 2008, when she was rescued from the Port Everglades power plant.
Gilda had an amputation, multiple surgeries and blood transfusions locally.
Then she was transferred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium in January for more physical therapy.
Now doctors say that Gilda shows the strength and hunting skill to make it on her own in the wild. And early this evening the public is invited to witness her send off on the beach behind the Loggerhead Center.
Gilda will be driven over from Clearwater today and released on the beach between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Scientists estimate only 1 percent of Loggerhead hatchlings make it to adulthood. And making sure that Gilda survives and goes on to add to that population is important.
That's why the timing of her release is critical, according to the center's officials.
"As a mature female, Gilda stands the best chance for successful mating the sooner she returns to her ocean home. Nesting season for Loggerhead turtles began in April and continues through the summer months. Though the oil spill is not expected to reach Atlantic currents for some time if at all, it was also a consideration in her release," officials wrote in a note announcing her release Tuesday evening.
"We are moving up Gilda's release to May 12th to ensure our beaches are in good condition and water quality is high."
Because the release time could change depending on ocean conditions... and traffic from Clearwater, the Center advises anyone who wants to watch to check marinelife.org and their Facebook page this afternoon for updates.
http://www.wptv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=20272@wptv.web.entriq.net
