SEA TURTLE HEADS HOME THANKS TO BREVARD ZOO

June 30, 2026 – You probably know that the Brevard Zoo, right here in Viera, is one of the top zoos in the country, but you may not be aware of the great work the organization does in environmental conservation and animal rescue. If you hurry, you can see them in action when Soggy Bottom, the juvenile green sea turtle is released back to the ocean at 11 a.m. today in Lori Wilson Park, a few miles east of us on the Atlantic Ocean.

According to the zoo’s website, Soggy Bottom was found in March 2026 entangled in fishing line around their neck and front left flipper. This sea turtle was trapped on the rocks at Jetty Park’s fishing pier.

Soggy Bottom received their name in honor of the well-trained and permitted Sea Turtle Preservation Society volunteer who waded in the water to retrieve this sea turtle and brought them to the East Coast Zoological Foundation Rehabilitation Center at Brevard Zoo.

With rest, good nutrition and medical care, Soggy Bottom is now ready to head home to the ocean.

Derelict fishing gear is one of the biggest threats facing sea turtles today. The community can help sea turtles and other marine life by always retrieving gear from the water and leaving the pier, beach, or river cleaner than they found it. Consider not fishing if you see a sea turtle near a fishing pier or other area.

The zoo has earned its reputation as a great place for the whole family to have fun, but there is also serious work being done. Viera is proud to have the Brevard Zoo as a good neighbor.

Source: Brevard Zoo