News

Actions

Pacman the sea turtle rehabilitated in Va. and released

Posted at 4:37 PM, Jul 27, 2012
and last updated 2012-07-27 16:37:46-04

(WTKR)--With a little bit of help, PacMan the loggerhead sea turtle was back in the ocean after weeks of rehabilitation.

A fisherman accidentally hooked him in Ocean View, last June.

Colleen Larkin with the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team, says because someone took action and called them right away, they were able to save PacMan.

And if you’re wondering where he got his name from – Larkin says he reminded everyone of the famous yellow character.

Larkin adds, “Every year, we actually have a category, that we choose from. This year was board games. And when he came in, we figured he chomped down on the line just like PacMan chomping down on something.”

And the crowds of people who came to watch his release agreed.

Michon Haymer brought her two kids; she believes watching this release is a fun learning experience for her family. 

Haymer adds, “If someone needs help, help it. Human or animal, and this is a great way for them to see that it works.” 

Now that PacMan is back home, the Stranding Team can still monitor where he’s going. They have placed a tracking device on his back, and they can figure out where he is and how he got there. 

Click on the video above to see this phenomenal creature.