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Meet Harry The Sea Turtle Rescued In Tavernier That Will Soon Be Released

WLRN 91.3 FM | By Nancy Klingener

Published August 21, 2019 at 4:34 PM EDT

Harry the Olive Ridley turtle was discovered six miles off of Tavanier in February. He will be released back into the water on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019.

He's not from around these parts. Yet somehow he's here.

Harry, an Olive Ridley sea turtle, was found floating roughly six miles offshore Tavernier in February. He had injuries from being tangled up in a fishing net on all four flippers.

He was treated with antibiotics, nutrition via IV, laser therapy and more, including lots of fish, shrimp and squid. He's recovered enough that he's scheduled for release at Higgs Beach in Key West at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Harry will carry a satellite transmitter for tracking.

"Only six Olive Ridleys have ever been documented in Florida, so having the opportunity to track this turtle is very special," said Bette Zirkelbach, manager of the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, where Harry was treated.

He will be released back into the ocean at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, off Higgs Beach in Key West.