Have You Seen This? Marine biologist saves barnacle-encrusted turtle

FLORIDA — Marine biologist Tabitha Siegfried spent 92 days saving and rehabbing a sick turtle she found before releasing the healthy animal back into the ocean.

Siegfried rescued a loggerhead turtle from a bay in Florida. Named Syrena, her shell was green from algae, and little creatures could be seen poking out of dozens of barnacles on her face, flippers and back.

In the video, Syrena goes through a massive transformation from barely hanging on to life to becoming a happy, healthy and strong reptile.

"Her odds of survival are not in her favor, but we are going to try everything that we can to get her turned around," Siegfried said shortly after the rescue.

Syrena was suffering from debilitated turtle syndrome, a chronic condition common in her species that is characterized by lethargy, anemia and excessive encrustation. Siegfried explained the cause of the disease isn't known, and most turtles with the syndrome have about a 25% chance of survival when brought into a rehab facility.

The treatment for the condition includes fluids, antibiotics and liquid nutrition administered via an IV. The barnacles have to be removed in a "slow and methodical way" as it can be very painful for the turtles, Siegfried said, especially since the crustaceans will burrow into the turtle's shell and cause infection.

For three months, Siegfried dutifully kept soaking Syrena in clean water, gently cleaning her, removing all of the parasites, administering medicine and feeding her to give her strength.

"I can't love a turtle any more than I love this turtle," she said. "We're so fortunate that Syrena pulled through with this condition."

Syrena seemed happy as a clam on her release day as she made her way across the sand before being taken by the waves.