Florida loggerhead sea turtle released back into the ocean after full recovery

JUNO BEACH - Ryker the loggerhead sea turtle was released back into the ocean Wednesday after a six-month recovery at Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Released on Juno Beach, where he was found on January 21, Ryker didn’t have a long way to go. But his recovery over the past six months tells a different story.

When Ryker arrived at Loggerhead Marinelife Center six months ago, officials said the turtle was weak, underweight, lethargic and covered in barnacles. Since that time, he's had weekly iron injections, nutritional support, vitamin therapy and has gained approximately 20 pounds – weighing in at a healthy 75 pounds.