Sea Turtle Chlorophyllis Returns to Ocean After 2-Month Rehab

When Sarah Kamen first saw Chlorophyllis in late March, the loggerhead sea turtle was almost unrecognizable under thick layers of algae and barnacles. The stranding coordinator at Florida's Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center knew this would be one of her toughest cases yet.

Chlorophyllis had been accidentally hooked at a local fishing pier. She also had a hook lodged in her mouth and an internal fragment visible on X-rays.

The heavy growth covering her shell told Kamen everything she needed to know about the turtle's condition. When sea turtles get sick, they become slow and lethargic, allowing algae and barnacles to rapidly cover their shells.

Kamen resisted the urge to immediately scrub the turtle clean. Removing barnacles too early can cause additional injury and pain, so the team focused on feeding, rest, and gentle care first.

After a month of fish meals and medical attention, Chlorophyllis finally got her spa day. In a satisfying TikTok video viewed by thousands, Kamen carefully removed the barnacles one by one, with audible crunches and snaps.

The relieved turtle even received an affectionate nose boop after Kamen removed a particularly stubborn barnacle from her chin. "While she still has a long way to go, small progress is a big win here at the center," Kamen said.

Sunny's Take

Watching Chlorophyllis transform from a barely moving turtle covered in growth to an energetic creature diving back into the waves reminds us why wildlife rehabilitation matters. The patience of the Gulfarium team paid off in the most beautiful way.

On May 22, two months after her rescue, Chlorophyllis returned to the ocean. Her flippers waved excitedly as she dove into the warm water, her clean shell gleaming in the sunlight.

"She's practically unrecognizable now, in the best way," Kamen shared.