Loggerhead turtle awaits release into wild

A loggerhead sea turtle raised by humans since it was a hatchling will be released into the wild today. Dylan the sea turtle found on Jekyll Island nearly 10 years ago has matured enough to head home into the Atlantic.

Veterinarians say the shell of the 150 pound loggerhead has grown enough to protect her in the wild.

Loggerhead sea turtle populations are declining on the coast and they could get endangered status if they’re further threatened.

Dylan’s life in captivity includes a residence at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. She has spent the last year at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where she learned to hunt in preparation for her release.

Aquarium releases turtle to the wild

A loggerhead sea turtle named Dylan who has spent the last two years at the Georgia Aquarium is headed home. This morning aquarium veterinarians loaded the seven-year-old into the back of a van for a six-hour ride to Jekyll Island on the Georgia coast. That's where Dylan was first discovered as a hatchling straggler left behind by his nest mates. It’s where he now will be prepped for release back into the wild.