VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A 220-pound loggerhead sea turtle named Diamond returned to the ocean Tuesday after an eight-month rehabilitation at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center's Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center in Virginia Beach.
Diamond first washed up on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Sept. 9, 2025. The Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response Team provided emergency medical care after he was reported ashore. Staff discovered a stingray barb lodged in Diamond's tongue and found his airway clogged with water and sand.
During his eight months of rehabilitation, Diamond had the stingray barb removed and underwent physical therapy on his jaw to regain the ability to eat on his own. The Stranding Response Team gathered to cheer him on as he made his return to the ocean.
The Virginia Aquarium said losing Diamond would have damaged the loggerhead sea turtle population.
Anyone who sees a marine animal in distress, injured or deceased is encouraged to contact the local Stranding Response Hotline at 757-385-7575.
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