A green sea turtle, affectionately named Porkchop, has successfully returned to the waters of Southern California after an extensive rehabilitation period lasting nearly a year. This remarkable journey began when the subadult turtle was discovered in dire straits, having suffered a severe injury caused by a fishing line that left one of its flippers with a staggering 90% loss of circulation.
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The release took place along the banks of the San Gabriel River, a location chosen specifically for its proximity to a local population of green sea turtles. This emotional farewell comes almost a year after Porkchop was rescued in critical condition, with the release being conducted in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service’s West Coast Region.
Porkchop was initially spotted on March 5, 2025, during a community science programme initiated by the Aquarium of the Pacific aimed at monitoring local sea turtle populations. Volunteers engaged in this programme discovered the turtle entangled in debris, unable to swim due to a fishing line tightly wrapped around its front flipper.
Veterinary staff at the aquarium managed to free Porkchop from the fishing line and began to assess the extent of the injuries. An examination revealed that the turtle had suffered significant damage to its flipper, which had experienced a substantial loss of circulation and necrotic tissue as a result of the constriction. Additionally, an X-ray confirmed that a fishing hook was lodged in the turtle’s mouth, further complicating its condition.
After being brought to the Aquarium of the Pacific, Porkchop underwent surgery where both the fishing hook and the damaged flipper tissue were successfully removed. Following the surgery, animal care teams diligently worked to monitor the turtle’s recovery, administering treatment for its wounds and supporting its rehabilitation process over several months.
Dr. Brittany Stevens, a veterinarian at the Aquarium of the Pacific, expressed her relief at Porkchop’s successful recovery. “When this turtle first arrived, we did not know what the outcome would be because of its critical condition. We are thrilled that this turtle was able to heal and gain its strength, so much so that it was able to return home,” she stated.
Porkchop’s recovery marks a significant milestone, as the turtle holds the distinction of being the first patient to benefit from the aquarium’s recently opened rehabilitation facility, which launched on January 28, 2026. The upgraded area includes a 4,000-gallon rehabilitation pool designed to enhance the aquarium’s capacity to provide care for stranded, sick, or injured sea turtles. This advancement aims to improve the chances of turtles healing and rejoining their natural habitats.
In a broader context, Porkchop’s release serves not only as a personal triumph for the turtle but also as an encouraging sign for ongoing conservation efforts. The successful rehabilitation and return to the wild of this green sea turtle highlights the importance of community involvement and the commitment of organisations like the Aquarium of the Pacific in the protection and recovery of marine wildlife.
As Porkchop re-enters its natural habitat, this inspiring story reinforces the significance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring the survival of species threatened by human activities. The community is reminded of the critical role that individuals can play in safeguarding marine ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them, such as the vulnerable green sea turtles.
As efforts continue to rescue and rehabilitate injured marine life, the tales of recovery like Porkchop’s remind us of the resilience of wildlife and the positive impact we can have through dedicated support and action.