Skeeter, a juvenile green sea turtle rescued off Big Torch Key in March, returned to her ocean home on Saturday, Oct. 9. Skeeter was treated at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon for fibropapillomatosis. After a treatment including tumor removal surgeries, broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet of greens and mixed seafood, Skeeter is now tumor free and back to good health. She was released off Sombrero Beach in Marathon at noon with an enthusiastic crowd cheering her on. A crew from Nickelodeon filmed Skeeter’s release for an upcoming Nick News segment that will air on Nov. 10.
From left, a Nick News reporter, Bette Zirkelbach, Tom Higgins and Richie Moretti watch Skeeter’s return to the ocean as a Nickelodeon film crew documents the release. 
Bette Zirkelbach, right, can’t help but smile as she and a Nick News reporter watch a healthy Skeeter return to the sea. 
Now tumor-free, Skeeter tests the Florida Keys waters for the first time since March. 
Skeeter’s release crew celebrates her seven-month journey to recovery.
