Back to the Wild

One of the greatest rewards that anyone who works with wildlife can receive is to be able to release an animal back to the wild after a successful rescue and rehabilitation.

Sea Turtle Release

On November 30, 2022, a juvenile hawksbill sea turtle was successfully released back to the wild after being recovered by Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program personnel and rehabilitated at Zoo Miami’s Sea Turtle Hospital.

The endangered turtle arrived at the zoo on November 5th, 2022, after being found tangled in a net and in a lethargic, weak condition. The Animal Health team worked diligently to treat the juvenile and over time, it gained strength and an increased appetite. Once it demonstrated an excellent diving reflex and the ability to maintain good neutral buoyancy, it was cleared for release!

Zoo Miami Sea Turtle Hospital Manager, Rosemary Lucas, transported the turtle to Key West, where she met with Dr. Jennifer Feltner, Florida Keys Refuge Biologist, and then took the hawksbill approximately 4 miles offshore to release it into the ocean.

Sloth Release

During a recent trip to Panama by Ron Magill and Dr. Marisa Bezjian, The Panamerican Conservation Association (APPC), which is supported by the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment provided them with the wonderful opportunity to release a three-toed sloth back to the wild. In a beautiful Panamanian forest, Dr. Bezjian was able to usher the sloth onto a tree, where it slowly and successfully climbed high up to make itself back at home.

The sloth was rescued and successfully rehabilitated by the APPC team, which is where Zoo Miami’s ambassador sloths come from! The organization is Panama’s leader in wildlife rescue, focusing on sloths in particular. They provide long-term care to sick, injured, and orphaned animals in need and promote environmental awareness throughout the community.