MARATHON, Florida. — A subadult loggerhead sea turtle, found unable to dive, emaciated and covered in barnacles by a family fishing last June, was returned to the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Marathon in the Florida Keys on Saturday, fully recovered and equipped with life support. satellite tracking. label.

The female turtle, nicknamed “Harlow” by her rescuers after their daughter, was viewed more than 47 million times on Keys’ Turtle Hospital social media accounts during her recovery, with posts describing every aspect of her care, including the removal of hundreds of barnacles encrusted on its shell.

Her rescue came just in time, according to the Turtle Hospital team.

“Her eyes were sunken, her blood levels were extremely low and she was literally on the verge of death,” said Bette Zirkelbach, director of the hospital.

Harlow’s first month of treatment was particularly intense for the team caring for her.

“We had to test her blood for glucose every four hours, give her treatment, and she miraculously recovered,” Zirkelbach said.

In addition to barnacle removal and “spa treatments” for shell rehabilitation, Harlow received fluids, broad-spectrum antibiotics, intravenous nutrition, vitamins and a healthy diet of mixed seafood , according to Zirkelbach.

“We were giving him honey to raise his blood sugar,” she said.

With Harlow considered a good candidate for a satellite tracking device, fans who followed her recovery on social media can also follow her journey after her release.

“Once you fall in love with sea turtles, you’ll want to care about them,” Zirkelbach said.

Hundreds of people rallied for Harlow’s release as she returned to her oceanfront home for the holidays.