Pyari, a loggerhead sea turtle treated at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, was released back into the Atlantic on Jan. 28 after three months of rehabilitation following a likely predator (probably shark) attack. Her left front flipper was severed and her right flipper sustained deep lacerations; veterinarians used CT scans and radiographs to ensure joint health and rule out deep infection. Pyari was acclimated to 80°F (27°C) water, fitted with a satellite tag (costing up to $10,000), and will join a Smithsonian-led study tracking three-limbed adult loggerheads to inform conservation efforts.
Three-Finned Loggerhead 'Pyari' Returns to the Sea After Predator Attack, Joins Pioneering Satellite Study
Pyari the sea turtleLoggerhead Marinelife Center/Facebook
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, has released a rehabilitated adult loggerhead sea turtle named Pyari back into the ocean after three months of care following a predator encounter.
Injury, Treatment and Recovery
Pyari — a name that means "lovely" or "beloved" in Hindi — arrived at the center with multiple severe lacerations across the front of her body. Veterinarians believe the wounds are most consistent with an attack by a predator, likely a shark. Her left front flipper had been severed roughly halfway down the limb, and the right front flipper sustained deep lacerations.
Pyari at the Loggerhead Marinelife CenterLoggerhead Marinelife Center/Facebook
Staff performed CT scans, radiographs and other examinations to confirm that Pyari’s remaining joints were healthy and to rule out deep infections. The medical team provided intensive wound care while monitoring her overall condition.
Preparation for Release
To help Pyari acclimate to ocean conditions, she spent time in a tank maintained at approximately 80°F (27°C) before release. Once cleared by veterinarians as stable and able to forage and move effectively, Pyari was taken to the beach and released on Jan. 28 amid cheers from onlookers. The center shared video of the event on its Facebook page.
Pyari the sea turtle's releaseLoggerhead Marinelife Center/Facebook
Research and Satellite Tracking
Before release, researchers fitted Pyari with a satellite transmitter to track her movements and collect environmental data each time she surfaces. According to the center, a single satellite tag can cost up to $10,000. The tag will contribute to a pioneering study with the Smithsonian Institution’s Conservation Biology program to better understand how three-limbed adult loggerheads move, forage and survive after rehabilitation.
“Our research to date with releasing adult loggerheads that only have three limbs so far has been very promising,” said Dr. Heather Barron of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. “It’s gratifying to release them and then watch where they go and what they do.”
The center said it is currently tracking two other amputee turtles in addition to Pyari. NOAA Fisheries notes that satellite tags transmit signals to orbiting satellites when tagged animals surface, allowing scientists to map locations and gather habitat data. Researchers hope the information will improve conservation strategies and post-release care for injured sea turtles.
The rescue, rehabilitation and release drew public attention on social media and in national outlets, highlighting the role of wildlife rehabilitation centers and collaborative research in marine conservation.
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