Diver Encounters Giant Turtle on Ocean Floor and Realizes He Needs Assistance – An Unforgettable Rescue Story!

When Mike Papish, an underwater photographer, encountered Lenny, a massive 322-pound loggerhead sea turtle, he quickly realized the turtle needed help. Lenny was struggling; he had a missing front flipper and several wounds on his head. Papish suspected the injuries were from a shark attack.

Rescuing Lenny was not easy. He and a group of divers from Sundance Watersports worked tirelessly to bring the giant turtle onto their boat. Transporting an animal the size of a grand piano posed its own challenges. Once aboard, they had to barricade Lenny with three large ice chests to keep him secure, as he was strong enough to push them aside. It took all four divers to manage the situation and bring Lenny back to shore.

Lenny was then transported to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida. There, he received much-needed care, including fluids, wound treatment, antibiotics, and laser therapy. Bette Zirkelbach, the hospital manager, noted that Lenny was the largest loggerhead she had ever seen in her 13 years at the facility. The hospital, established in 1984, has helped over 3,000 turtles in need.

After just two weeks of care, Lenny was ready to return to the wild. It was crucial to release him promptly, especially since it was mating season in the Florida Keys. Loggerhead turtles are endangered, and Lenny, estimated to be 60 to 70 years old, was now of reproductive age.

Lenny plays an important role in the marine ecosystem. Papish explained that sea turtles help maintain healthy seagrass beds, which in turn support coral reefs. Without them, seagrass can overgrow and smother corals, harming the reef ecosystem.

In late March, Lenny made a beautiful return to the waters where he was found. Zirkelbach expressed her joy at his homecoming: “It’s the best feeling.” Since then, Papish has spotted Lenny multiple times. Each encounter shows Lenny becoming stronger, with improved swimming abilities and better use of his injured flipper.

Papish describes Lenny as curious and playful. Every time they meet, he swims right under the boat, showcasing his progress to onlookers.

This heartwarming story illustrates not only the resilience of sea turtles but also highlights the vital work done by organizations like The Turtle Hospital. Their ongoing efforts help keep marine ecosystems balanced, reminding us of the importance of ocean conservation.

For more information on sea turtle rehabilitation, check out The Turtle Hospital’s website.

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