The Turtle Hospital’s Bette Zirkelbach, left, Isabelle Gilbert and Sarah Buttrey carry Popcorn to the water.
A young green sea turtle earned a second chance at life in the big blue as a crowd gathered on the evening of May 13 to witness the release of “Popcorn.” Rescued off Big Coppitt Key in December 2022, the juvenile underwent a relatively brief rehab stint at the Marathon-based Turtle Hospital. The turtle’s treatment at the hospital included surgeries to remove tumors caused by fibropapillomatosis, broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet of greens and mixed seafood.
Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach watches as Popcorn completes the last leg of the journey homeCollege of the Florida Keys leaders, including President Jonathan Gueverra (center, with red sash) honor retiring Key West cityStaff from the Turtle Hospital celebrate another successful release.
Patti McLauchlin during the college’s May 5 graduation ceremony. CONTRIBUTEDAs is tradition before most releases, children in the crowd were invited to see Popcorn up close and learn about ways to protect sea turtles from Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach.
