SeaWorld San Diego and National Marine Fisheries Service returned a rescued sea turtle into the San Diego Bay on Tuesday afternoon.
The organizations worked to give a stranded wild animal, dubbed “Salty,” a second chance at life.
SeaWorld officials say that the male Eastern Pacific green sea turtle was found trapped in a saltwater evaporation pond in the South San Diego Bay on July 6, 2016.
After the rescued turtle received a medical examination, it was clear that it had been trapped in the two-foot deep pond for a few days, according to SeaWorld.
The 40- to 50-year old sea turtle showed signs of extreme fatigue and severe dehydration, with physical symptoms like sunken eyes and a sunken body.
Officials say he was stablilized with electrolyte fluids and vitamins. After a month of rehabilitation, Salty has gained over 40 pounds and was deemed healthy enough to be released into the San Diego Bay.
