Inside the mission to get this amputee turtle back to the San Gabriel River

"I hope she gets to go far away or live a turtle life with no further involvement with human beings," said Dr. Lance Adams, director of veterinary services for the Aquarium of the Pacific, which treated her injuries - including amputating the necrotic flipper - before releasing her into the wild on Friday morning."

"Formally known as CM2502, Porkchop got her nickname when she chowed down shortly after losing her front right flipper, which was severely constricted by fishing line. She's the latest patient to graduate from the Long Beach aquarium, which has rehabilitated sea turtles for more than 25 years."

"Many Angelenos don't know Eastern Pacific green sea turtles are swimming in their proverbial backyard, but they are - and they're thriving. It's estimated that 100 of the hulking-yet-graceful animals lives in the lower stretch of the San Gabriel River, where salt and freshwater commingle."

Porkchop, a green sea turtle, was rescued from the San Gabriel River with a severely injured flipper constricted by fishing line and a hook in her mouth. The Aquarium of the Pacific treated her injuries, amputating the necrotic flipper, and cared for her over a year before releasing her back into the wild. The aquarium recently opened a new public-facing turtle rehabilitation facility with a 4,000-gallon pool where visitors can observe sick or injured turtles receiving medical treatment and care. Porkchop became the first turtle to swim in the new tank. Approximately 100 Eastern Pacific green sea turtles inhabit the lower San Gabriel River, where they feed on algae in the cooler months.

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