South Carolina Aquarium puts two rehabilitated Grand Strand sea turtles back into the wild

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Frittata and Over Easy are swimming free once again.

After weeks of rehabilitation at the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center, the animals on Friday were released in the calm saltmarshes of Dewees Island.

“This prime location provided safe harbor for these two rehabilitated sea turtles and a direct highway to the open ocean for when they are each ready to migrate somewhere new,” the aquarium posted to its Facebook page along with video of the turtles’ pathway back to freedom.

Frittata, a juvenile green sea turtle, arrived at the aquarium April 20 after it was found stranded near a North Myrtle Beach fishing pier.

Covered in sand, algae and barnacles, officials said Frittata had been sick for a long period of time before being discovered.

Doctors also uncovered a severe ear infection that affected its balance and swim pattern. By mid-June, Frittata had made nearly a full recovery.

Over Easy, a young Kemp’s ridley turtle, came to the care center on June 2 after being hooked by an angler in Garden City. State wildlife officials transported the animal with the hook still in place and taped to the carapace.

In less than 10 minutes, the hook was removed and Over Easy was monitored for soreness and possible damage to its esophagus.

Frittata and Over Easy are the 23rd and 24th turtles to be released this year by the Care Center.

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