OCEAN CITY, Md. — On Thursday, team members from the National Aquarium released two rehabilitated sea turtles into the ocean at Ocean City.
Video credit: National Aquarium
Mothman and Icky, the two sea turtles, spent a little more than six months with the aquarium's Animal Health and Rescue teams.
They arrived in the fall, showing symptoms of cold stunning and injuries that appeared to have come from being hit by boats.
The pair "received treatment to overcome cold stunning effects, including respiratory issues, dehydration, and malnutrition, as well as eye and skin infections commonly acquired when their body temperatures dip to meet the cooling water surrounding them," said the aquarium in a statement.
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan helped Mothman back into the water during Thursday's release.
"We are thrilled to partner with the National Aquarium and have marine animals treated right here in Ocean City," Meehan said.
"Despite the onslaught of sea turtles requiring treatment every year, no formal federal grant program exists to support sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. The National Aquarium is championing the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act [aqua.org], a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would allow for more stable and sustainable funding for sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation programs, ensuring the return of more rehabilitated endangered sea turtles to the ocean."
- National Aquarium
