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Patrick Air Force Base, FL – May 17, 2025

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A heartwarming rescue effort turned tragic this morning after a struggling baby sea turtle discovered on Pineda Beach died while being transported to the Brevard Zoo for care.

Local resident Michelle, who posted the encounter in the Facebook group “Brevard Is Beautiful,” described stumbling upon what she first believed to be a rock around 5 a.m. on a trail of larger sea turtle tracks. Upon closer inspection, she realized the object was a live hatchling, weak and barely moving.

Realizing the turtle was in distress, Michelle immediately contacted the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. She waited on the beach with the baby turtle for over an hour until a rescue volunteer named Autumn arrived to assist.

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“This lil’ guy didn’t have much energy,” Michelle wrote. “My heart is so, so heavy.”

Despite their best efforts, the turtle did not survive the journey to the Brevard Zoo. Michelle shared an emotional update at 9:25 a.m., writing: “Just got word that this guy didn’t make it when being transported to the ZOO. My heart is so so heavy.”

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Photos posted alongside the message show the rescue efforts at sunrise, capturing both the fragility of the young turtle and the dedication of those involved in trying to save it.

The Sea Turtle Preservation Society and Brevard Zoo often work together during sea turtle nesting season to rescue and rehabilitate injured or stranded turtles. Sadly, not all rescues end in success—but stories like this highlight the critical need for awareness and preservation efforts.

Sea turtle nesting season in Florida runs from March through October, and beachgoers are reminded to stay alert for turtle tracks or hatchlings and avoid disturbing them. Anyone who sees a distressed sea turtle is encouraged to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or local rescue groups immediately.

For those touched by this story, consider supporting local organizations like the Sea Turtle Preservation Society and Brevard Zoo, which work tirelessly to protect and preserve Florida’s sea turtle populations.

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