Houston Zoo: 'Scientists may gain a better understanding of loggerhead sea turtle behavior in the Gulf of Mexico'

The Houston Zoo recently posted about the release of three loggerhead sea turtles into the Gulf of Mexico. "The Gulf of Mexico is home to five different species of sea turtles: Kemp’s ridley, green, leatherback, Atlantic hawksbill, and loggerhead" according to the Houston Zoo's website. 

Sea animals often come upon the shore and sometimes in unfortunate conditions. The adult sea turtle was discovered on Bolivar Peninsula beach in a weak condition. He was also the first turtle to be released as a young adult male loggerhead. He was estimated to be between 35-40 years old. The male loggerhead also gained strength and 43 pounds of weight before he was released. 

That particular loggerhead is one-of-a-kind. The Zoo says it is pretty rare to see in Texas. Once the turtle was discovered in May, the "veterinarian team oversaw the care and treatment of this turtle as it rehabilitated at the Houston Zoo’s sea turtle hospital in Galveston" according to the blog post. 

The blog post also revealed that the male loggerhead "was fitted with a satellite tag by our partners at Texas A&M’s Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research to track its movements so that scientists may gain a better understanding of loggerhead sea turtle behavior in the Gulf of Mexico."

The large juvenile loggerhead turtle was found on the beach at Sea Rim State Park. Its estimated age is between 20-25 years old. The zoo veterinarians were able to rehabilitate it after removing intestinal parasites. After the operation was complete, the sea turtle gained 13 pounds and returned to good health. 

The small juvenile loggerhead was discovered suffering from severe lethargy on Bolivar Peninsula beach. It is estimated to be between 15-20 years old. During rehabilitation he became more active, returning to normal loggerhead behavior.

All of the loggerhead sea turtles were rehabilitated and released into their natural habitat. The zoo urges those who pass by to please reach out if they spot or accidentally catch a sea turtle so they can provide immediate care. 

The Houston Zoo advertised a phone number to call if more sea turtles are found on the coast who need help. The number is 1-866-TURTLE-5.

Watch the video of the turtles being released here.