Sea turtle that swallowed fishhook released back to sea after treatment at Brevard Zoo

MELBOURNE, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - The Brevard Zoo has released a rehabilitated green sea turtle back into the ocean after it spent months recovering from swallowing a fishhook.

'Kernel' the sea turtle--named for arriving to the zoo on National Popcorn Day-- was admitted to the Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center back in January. Veterinarians said the turtle had swallowed a fishhook which required surgery to remove.

“Accidents happen, and you won’t get in any legal trouble for inadvertently hooking a sea turtle,” said Shanon Gann, the Zoo’s sea turtle program manager. “If possible, don’t cut the line, and use a net to safely guide the sea turtle to shore or onto your boat; in fact, many piers have nets available for this purpose. Do not reel the sea turtle in as this could deepen the wound."

“This is what the couple that hooked Kernel did, and that decision quite possibly saved Kernel’s life.” 

Kernel was nursed back to health with antibiotics, fluids and nutrition, according to the zoo. 

He was released on Wednesday to a round of applause from the animal care team.