Gilda

This is the story of Gilda, a 300 lb. Loggerhead sea turtle.

On October 9, 2008, Gilda was admitted to Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), a sea turtle hospital dedicated to ocean conservation with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles.

Gilda entered the hospital suffering from an amputated front right flipper along with head and neck wounds. Scientists surmised that Gilda’s injuries were the result of her being sucked into the propeller of a large boat or ship.

Surgery was performed and Gilda spent the next 18 months being cared for and rehabilitated by LMC. By May of 2010, after a lot of hard work, Gilda was fully recovered and LMC prepared to release her back into the ocean.

My niece, Lauren, is a volunteer at LMC and had the privilege of helping with Gilda’s physical therapy sessions this past year. It was exciting, then, when Lauren was on duty and participated in Gilda’s release on the evening of May 12.

A crowd gathers, awaiting the arrival of Gilda. Here she comes!

Lauren helps carry Gilda.

After a brief photo shoot, Lauren and other LMC workers carry Gilda to the water….and to her freedom!

There she goes!

Great job, Lauren!

Do you wonder where Gilda is today…exactly one month since her release?

Gilda has already traveled over 300 miles! You can track Gilda’s journey at: http://www.marinelife.org/track_gilda.htm