Incredible Journey
Little is known about the migratory patterns of adult loggerhead turtles.
On May 7, 2019, about 400 people watched Mr. T, a 200-pound loggerhead turtle, as he was released after being treated at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Fla.
He was fitted with a tracking device — part of a media trip organized by Garmin — though hospital owner Richie Moretti wasn’t sure how long it would stay attached and transmit data.
Hospital staff expected the tracking device to fall off within about six months.
It is still attached and transmitting critical information about loggerheads, according to Andy Newman, media director for the Florida Keys.
“Unbelievably, a year later, he is still being tracked. Since his release, he has covered more than 1,600 miles, has been to the west coast of Florida, and currently is off Key Largo,” said the Florida Keys and Key West Facebook page.
Not a lot is known about the migratory patterns of adult male loggerheads, said hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach, so the tracking device is providing much-needed information to those who study them.
Check out Mr. T’s travels in real time here.
