Sea Turtle Buckley, Found More Than A Mile From The Ocean, Released After 3 Months Of Rehab

After a rescue that made headlines and three months of rehabilitation at the Florida Aquarium, Buckley the sea turtle has been released back into the Gulf, and fans will be able to follow his journey online.

Buckley was quite lost when he was discovered by good Samaritans more than a mile from the ocean on a dirt road in rural Dixie County in November 2024. They called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Hotline, and the University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue quickly responded, stabilizing the sea turtle before transferring him to The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach for treatment.

Over the last three months, staff and veterinarians have cared for Buckley, named after nearby Buck Creek, as he gained weight, restored his blood sugar levels, and healed scratches he got on his bottom shell from walking over rough terrain.

Word of Buckley’s rescue spread to local businessman and “passionate” marine conservation advocate Ed Buckley, who donated toward the turtle’s care.

“When I heard they rescued a turtle with my same name, I knew I had to get involved,” Buckley said in a statement. “Theres a strong connection between Buckley and me — maybe its the name, maybe its kindred spirits — but one thing I do know is that protecting sea turtles is important. Their survival depends on all of us stepping up and hope the community will be compelled to help as well.”

Buckley donated $7,500 toward the sea turtle’s medical expenses, and encouraged others to donate, bringing the total to more than $10,000. The aquarium said that although sea turtles are classified as endangered, “there are currently no government funding programs available to offset these expenses.”

Rescuers and fans gathered at Fred Howard Park to watch as Buckley was released back into the Gulf on Wednesday.

“This is why we do what we do — to see a once-struggling sea turtle like Buckley return home, stronger and healthier. Its heartwarming,” said Ashley Riese, The Florida Aquariums Sea Turtle Conservation Program Director. “Buckleys recovery is a testament to the incredible collaboration between rescuers, the Aquariums animal care team, veterinarians, and our entire community.”

Thans to a grant from Verizon and in collaboration with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, a satellite tag has been attached to Buckley’s shell. The tag will allow both biologists and members of the public to track and gather valuable date about Buckley’s journey.

The tag will send a signal to a satellite each time Buckley surfaces to breathe, which will allow the collection of data about his feeding habits, migratory patterns, and environmental conditions like water temperatures. Buckley’s tracking data will be available on The Florida Aquarium’s website within a week of his release.

“Verizons continued support of The Florida Aquariums Sea Turtle Program underscores the importance of providing biologists with essential tools and connecting the community to the heart of these marine conservation efforts,” said Riese.