NJ facility caring for 280-pound Loggerhead sea turtle

BRIGANTINE, N.J. (WTXF) - The Marine Mammal Stranding Center has a huge job on its hands. Folks there are caring for the largest Loggerhead sea turtle they've ever had at the center.

Monday evening, staff members got calls and rescued the large female that was caught in the surf and struggling near the 10th Street beach in Avalon.

They took the 280-pound turtle to the MMSC in Brigantine, where they're monitoring and caring for it.

Officials there report no obvious signs of injury, but the turtle is very lethargic.

It has to be kept separate from the other Loggerhead turtle there, since experts aren't sure what's wrong with the turtle or even whether it's able to swim.

Next, a vet will examine it and take blood samples, which will hopefully provide more insight to the turtle's condition.