Image by Charlotte Gutman/TheDigitelImage by 20090609-turtle.jpg

The South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Hospital plans to release two loggerhead sea turtles today, June 9, at 2 p.m. at the Folly Beach County Park (map).

Here's the details from an e-mailed release:

The loggerhead sea turtles, Murrell and Little Pritchard, are ready to return to the Ocean as they have been given a clean bill of health from Aquarium veterinarian, Dr. Shane Boylan.

Murrell, a juvenile loggerhead from Murrells Inlet, suffered two boat strike shell fractures and was admitted into the Sea Turtle Hospital on October 13, 2007. Receiving daily antibiotics, wound treatments and vitamin injections Murrell healed well and was taken off of antibiotics by late 2007. Throughout 2008, Murrell produced strong healthy tissue and developed over 75% new keratin in the wounds. After over one and a half years of medical care, Murrell's wounds have healed well enough for it to be released into the ocean.

Little Pritchard was transferred to the Sea Turtle Hospital on June 24, 2008 after an unfortunate encounter with a stingray which punctured the right front flipper around its elbow joint. The wound bled a great deal resulting in slight anemia and a high white blood cell count. Little Pritchard's wounds have healed well and the turtle is ready to be released into the ocean.

Not that County Park parking fees will apply. Get more details by calling (843) 577-FISH (3473).