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| Jonah’s Amazing Journey Ends As The Popular Loggerhead Sea Turtle Passes Away |
provider writes, "Loggerhead Marinelife Center sadly reports that Jonah, the popular loggerhead sea turtle passed away on Monday, July 28.
Jonah’s miraculous story began three years ago; he was swallowed by a fish; that was caught by a local fisherman. The fisherman discovered the hatchling after the fish regurgitated him. He brought the hatchling to LMC where he stayed for over two years as the educational turtle. Last April, Jonah was successfully released in the Atlantic. Jonah returned to LMC on June 15 after he swallowed a fishing hook and line; a local fisherman spotted him and brought him back for rehabilitation. "
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“Although Jonah’s neurological condition had been steadily improving during his 6 week stay at the LMC, we noted a marked decrease in his activity level Friday. By Sunday Jonah was experiencing muscle tension and contraction that had resulted in his front flippers being clamped beneath him. This was a new severe, neurological sign that he had not shown previously. He was dry docked Sunday night due to concern of potential drowning due to his weakness. Jonah was found unresponsive this morning and cardiac arrest was confirmed via ultrasound. The cause of death will be determined after analysis of the tissues taken at necropsy, but appears to be the neurological disease that results in paralysis in sea turtles. This is the same condition that resulted in mass strandings in 2000, and the investigation into the cause is ongoing.” said Dr. Nancy Mettee, DMV for Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
“Jonah was a true ambassador for loggerheads. He educated thousands of people about sea turtles and marine life during his stay at the LMC. We are confident that Jonah’s story has inspired supporters to better appreciate the marine environment and make personal changes to support its protection. Jonah swallowed a metal hook, leader and line. His behavior was typical of loggerheads who will ingest plastic, hooks and other debris left in the ocean. It is a sad time for all of us at the LMC and we are so thankful to the many people that supported Jonah’s care through adoptions,” said Nanette Lawrenson, Executive Director.
LMC is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of marine life through public education, research, and rehabilitation with a focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. In addition to providing educational programs, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center operates a sea turtle rehabilitation program, and features aquariums and other marine exhibits and is located at 14200 US Highway One in Juno Beach. For more information visit www.marinelife.org or call 561-627-8280.
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Media Contact:
Terri Neil
Terri Neil PR & Marketing, Inc.
6341 Stonehurst Circle
Lake Worth, FL 33467
561-628-2538
terri@terrinpr.com
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Posted on Jul 29, 2008 13:51pm.
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