Four juvenile green sea turtles rehabilitated at the Florida Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach swam back into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, Aug. 11, near Palm Coast after months of intensive veterinary care.

The turtles, named Dark Blue Yellow, Pink, Black and Light Blue Pink, were rescued off Florida's east coast in March, according to the Florida Aquarium. Dark Blue Yellow stranded at Minerva Beach near Daytona Beach on March 29 with a severe gash across the underside of its shell, called the plastron. The aquarium's animal care team called it one of the most serious wounds they have successfully treated in a sea turtle.

The other three arrived cold-stunned, a condition where exposure to cold water leaves turtles weak, lethargic and unable to swim.

To treat Dark Blue Yellow's wound, the team applied a specialized topical ointment that creates a waterproof barrier over the injury, paired with ongoing wound care, nutritional support and close monitoring by sea turtle biologists and veterinary staff. Those combined efforts helped the turtle recover from what the aquarium described as a potentially deadly injury.

All four passed exit examinations within two weeks of their release and were cleared as healthy.

The Apollo Beach facility has treated 22 sea turtles this season, many arriving after cold-stunning events. Four juvenile green sea turtles remain at the center, continuing treatment until medically cleared.

Fundraiser ties 813 Day to Apollo Beach center

The releases come as the Florida Aquarium marks 813 Day, the annual Tampa celebration tied to the region's 813 area code. On Thursday, Aug. 13, the aquarium offered $8.13 off general admission for tickets purchased at the ticket window.

Through a separate partnership, Sparkman Wharf is donating $5 to the Florida Aquarium for every photo posted on Instagram in front of its specially decorated TAMPA sign, up to $1,000. To qualify, visitors must post between Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 16, tag @sparkmanwharf and @floridaaquarium, and follow both accounts. The aquarium said funds raised will support marine animal rescue, coral reef restoration, scientific research and conservation education, including operations at the Apollo Beach rehabilitation center.

The Instagram fundraiser deadline is Aug. 16.