Aquarium of the Pacific releases rehabilitated endangered sea turtle off Southern California coast

An endangered sea turtle that endured months of rehabilitation after it was rescued off the Central Coast earlier this year was released back into the ocean Wednesday.

The Aquarium of the Pacific released the loggerhead sea turtle back off the Southern California coast with Aquarium staff, donors and other stakeholders watching aboard a harbor cruise boat.

The turtle was rescued near Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County on June 17, and arrived at the Aquarium weak and thin, with cloudy eyes and barnacles on its flippers.

After extensive rehabilitation, the turtle, estimated to be between 10 and 15 years old, eventually regained its appetite and energy and put on about 10 pounds, making it healthy enough to return to the ocean.

"After operating on and treating this sea turtle over this past several months, we were pleased to see it heal and regain a normal appetite and behavior," said Dr. Lance Adams, Aquarium of the Pacific veterinarian.

The turtle is about 22 inches long and is back up to a healthy weight of around 60 pounds. Adult loggerhead turtles can grow to a weight of 200 to 350 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .

In addition to the release, the Aquarium announced the construction of a new sea turtle rehabilitation space, funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and matched by the KM Shimano Family Foundation. The space will further support efforts to treat and release rescued sea turtles, officials said.

The public is invited to contribute to the Aquarium's ongoing sea turtle rehabilitation efforts by making an online donation .