Kermit, a stranded Green Sea Turtle rescued and rehabilitated by the Virginia Aquariums’ Stranding Response Team, was released back in to the wild on Monday June 22, 2009 on the beach near Sandbridge Market.

Kermit was rescued nine months ago by a swimmer in the Sandbridge beach community. An in-depth examination by the Aquariums’ marine technicians discovered the bits of plastic, paper, rubber band and balloon that were lodged in his esophagus. Over the course of several surgical sessions the debris was safely removed, and Kermit embarked on his long, intensive road to recovery.

Aquarium Stranding Technician Linda D’Eri stated that “Kermit’s esophagus was so damaged that he had limited ability to swallow food. So we had to feed him small amounts of food more frequently until he regained this control.”

Kermit’s case illustrates that it’s not easy being “green”, as a variety of foreign trash and debris are a frequent find in stranded sea turtles, especially green sea turtles who feed in the grass beds, and leatherback sea turtles who feed on jellyfish.

“Obviously, the “green” solution is for people to take responsibility and prevent trash from ending up in the ocean,” said Mark Swingle, the Aquarium’s director of research and conservation.

Thanks to the dedicated folks at the Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Response Team, Kermit’s’ story culminated in a happy ending. Furthermore, the Virginia Aquarium went above and beyond – as usual – to outfit Kermit with a transmitter that provides turtle fans the unique opportunity to log on to the Aquarium website and track Kermit’s worldly travels at www.virginiaaquarium.com.

To report a dead or live stranded marine mammal or sea turtle call the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program 24-hour hotline at (757)437-6159. Most importantly, act proudly as an advocate for wildlife protection and a steward of the earth when on the beach or in nature by disposing of your trash - as well as any that you find – in the appropriate manner.