Ocean Sentry
(From cbs4.com) Marathon, Fa- A protected loggerhead sea turtle that was repeatedly hacked with a machete has made a full recovery and been released back into the wild in the waters off the Florida Keys. The turtle, named “Johnny”, was released Tuesday near the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge. “Johnny” was rescued on July 12th after witnesses saw the butchering and called law enforcement authorities. The turtle was transported to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon where it recovered.
The famed Jack Hanna, director-emeritus of Columbus Zoo and nature show television host, participated in Tuesday’s turtle release.
Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are continuing an investigation into the turtle’s injuries. The machete used in the attack was recovered and evidence sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for analysis.
