SeaWorld Orlando Returns 3 Rare Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles To The Ocean

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ORLANDO (CBSMiami) -- Three rare Kemp's ridley sea turtles are back in the ocean months after being rescued during a stranding along the Massachusetts coastline.

The turtles were released Wednesday by a SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team.

The three Kemp's ridley sea turtles, the world's most endangered species of sea turtle, were returned to the warm Florida waters by Canaveral National Seashore.

The 3 Kemp's ridley sea turtles returned were part of 72 sea turtles that were rescued last November during a mass cold stranding off the Massachusetts coast. They were transferred to SeaWorld Orlando from the New England Aquarium by the U.S. Coast Guard for rehabilitation and expert care.

Following Wednesday's return only 9 of the 72 rescued turtles remain after completing rehabilitation under the care of SeaWorld Orlando's aquarium team and veterinarians. The SeaWorld Team is still caring for the remainder of the turtles as they regain their strength with the goal of returning them in the coming weeks.

Ranging from 4.5 to 6 pounds at the time of rescue, the turtles have been thriving during their rehabilitation, gaining strength and weight.