280-Pound Sea Turtle Rescued After Washing Up On Avalon Beach
BRIGANTINE, N.J. (CBS) -- A large sea turtle has been rescued after washing up at the Jersey Shore.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center saved the 280-pound Loggerhead Monday after receiving calls the animal was seen struggling and caught in the surf near the 10th Street beach in Avalon.
MMSC staff members transported the turtle to the center in Brigantine where it's being monitored. They're calling it the largest Loggerhead they've ever had at the center.
Officials say the turtle is very lethargic but isn't showing any obvious signs of injury. A vet is scheduled to do further examinations and take blood samples, which the center hopes will provide more clues.
In the meantime, MMSC says because it's unclear what exactly is wrong, the turtle is being kept separately from other Loggerheads. They're also not sure whether the turtle is able to swim at this point.
Less than two weeks ago a 33-foot humpback whale washed ashore in nearby Sea Isle City but was already dead by the time it reached land.