If the animal was healthy as indicated, the question becomes one of how habituated the animal became during its captivity, especially during scheduled feedings and, perhaps, also by repeatedly seeing museum visitors through the aquarium glass. How long such habituation may persist after release is unknown, but this incident suggests that once such associations are established they may persist for some time in the wild. The authors would like to suggest that holding facilities evaluate their procedures, especially feeding, to find ways of reducing interactions that could lead to habituation in turtles that will eventually be released. Standing behind a blind during feeding so the turtles would be less apt to result in turtles associating humans with food is one approach that could be helpful. Public education about the life histories and conservation needs of sea turtles has generated widespread support for their protection.
Live exhibits are one of the most effective ways of getting the message across.
Placing an emphasis on maintaining turtles that cannot be released in the wild is an option that could be used effectively to point out threats to sea turtles and their habitats. This would address concerns about habituation. It should also be noted that, many of the juvenile turtles in facilities have been live strandings whose size did not correspond to the typical size of juveniles normally found in Florida waters. Periodically hatchlings are also brought to State agencies by individuals who find them by chance on a nesting beach. Regardless of their origin, many of these animals are held in facilities until they are 45 cm SCL, the typical size of juvenile loggerheads found in Florida waters.