AnimalZone: Shell Shocked & Set Free: Saving Sea Turtles in the Florida Keys, Season 15, episode 7

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of AnimalZone, we journey to the remarkable The Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys, where compassion meets cutting-edge care for some of the ocean’s most ancient mariners.


Hosted by AnimalZone’s Arthur von Wiesenberger, we are welcomed by the passionate and dedicated Bette Zirkelbach, Manager of the hospital, who gives us an intimate look inside this one-of-a-kind facility devoted exclusively to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and ill sea turtles.


On the day of filming, the hospital was responding to a dramatic “cold stun” event—an Arctic cold snap that left 25 turtles stranded and in distress along the northeast coast. With urgency and expertise, the team springs into action, adding to the more than 100 turtles they treat each year.


We discover the fascinating world of sea turtles—five of the planet’s seven species pass through these waters, including the beloved green sea turtle and the resilient loggerhead. Each patient has a story… but none more uplifting than “Speedy.”


Rescued by local heroes Patricia and Andy, Speedy’s journey comes full circle as we join the community at Sombrero Beach for a truly unforgettable moment—her return to the wild. As she glides back into the Atlantic, cheered on by a crowd of devoted locals, it’s a powerful reminder of what care, commitment, and community can achieve.


This episode is a moving tribute to second chances, ocean conservation, and the extraordinary people giving sea turtles a fighting chance.


#AnimalZone #SeaTurtles #TurtleHospital #FloridaKeys #WildlifeRescue #OceanConservation #FeelGoodTV #SombreroBeach #SaveOurSeas

Uploaded on Mar 23, 2026 at 3:28 am