Just when I thought that I have been or have seen everything that Tampa
has to offer, the most wonderful and amazing opportunity comes along.
Ever since arriving in Tampa, I have been continually amazed at my new
home, and I have seen and experienced some incredible things. Today was
without a doubt one of the most exciting, and something I never would of
expected, much less be a part of.

I stopped in at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to get some photo
releases for the some of the photos I recently shot there for my
upcoming book. When I arrived, the aquarium was abuzz with excitement,
and I had no idea what was going on. I talked to one of the volunteers
at the front desk, when she said today that there was going to be a
turtle release. It was about to get real interesting.

I went upstairs, camera at my side, and saw a small group of staff
members around the turtle isolation and recovery tanks, as they were
lifting one of the turtles that has been receiving treatment out of the
tank. I snapped a few photos, not realizing that they were prepping the
turtle to be released back into the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater Beach.
It was Mackenzie the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, a female that was found
seven months ago by one of the numerous volunteers at the Clearwater
Aquarium that routinely patrols the beaches in search of injured or
stranded turtles.

Mackenzie was found at Caladesi Island State Park on November 22, 2006.
She was extremely lethargic, suffering from what is known as lethargic
loggerhead syndrome, possibly brought on by red tide complications. The
symptoms of this are great lethargy including a lack of desire to eat.

Mackenzie was transported to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for
rehabilitation, including multiple doses of various antibiotics over the
seven month period. She was recently cleared for release by the
Clearwater Marine Aquarium veterinarian staff, and today, she was going
home.

I was invited to photograph the entire event, which was one exciting
experience, as I have never witnessed a turtle release before, and my
first time, I was able to get access to get some incredible shots of the
action. The staff made some last minute preparations, and took some
tests be make sure MacKenzie was ready to be released.

After the all clear, Mackenzie was placed in the back of the transport
truck, and then we whisked off to our final destination, Clearwater
Beach. When we arrived at the beach, a large crowd had gathered,
including beachgoers, other volunteers, local news media, state
officials, all of which made for a huge sense of excitement. Many
turtles are brought in for care, and few are released, so this was a
major event.

After one last check on the truck, Mackenzie was lowered onto the beach,
as the crowd cheered her on to return to the sea. It was loud, and
Mackenzie seemed a little startled at first, as she looked around at all
her new fans, and then instinct took over. The gentle waves of the warm
salt water surrounded her, and she got excited, and knew exactly what to
do. Just like a little child seeing the beach for the first time, she
looked straight ahead, and with all her might, started to run toward her
familiar home. The crowd starting chanting "GO! GO! GO!". What an
exciting moment.

In a flash, Mackenzie was in the water, and just as quickly as it began,
she dipped below the waters surface, and then she was gone. The crowd
roared with a big cheer, and clapped at a rare and successful release.
It was a bittersweet ending, as many of the staff at the aquarium were
elated, it was sad to see a new friend go.

It was an amazing time, and to be apart of it was a moment in my life I
won't soon forget. Be safe in your travels Mackenzie.

About The Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Inc. (CMA) is dedicated to public education,
research and rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick or injured
animals. CMA is a Florida non-profit organization, which has tax-exempt
status under IRC 501 (c)(3). CMA's stranding response team is one of the
nation's most successful stranding teams. Although many of the sick or
injured animals we rescue are released after rehabilitation, some become
permanent CMA residents, due to the extent of their injuries. Residents
include dolphins, sea turtles and river otters. To learn more about CMA,
please visit www.seewinter.com.

About Robert La Follette
Since 1989, Robert La Follette has been working as a graphic designer
and photographer. His photos have won numerous awards and have appeared
in Shutterbug Magazine, Informant Guest and Creation Magazine. La
Follette is also a contributing writer and photographer for Florida
Wildlife Magazine. Robert was awarded "Best of Show" at the Boyd Hill
Nature Photography Contest in St. Petersburg, Florida. He has also been
featured on "i On Tampa Bay" for PAX Television in Tampa.

Robert's photography also appears around Tampa Bay, most notably with
the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, where his images showcases
the beauty and attractions that make Tampa Bay a world-renowned vacation
destination. Robert also teaches creative photography online and
personal workshops around Tampa Bay. Robert lives in Tampa, Florida with
his wife, Dawn, whom he has been happily married for over 18 years.
Wildlife enthusiasts, together they perform volunteer work with Tampa's
Lowry Park Zoo and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. To view more of Robert's
award-winning photography, please visit www.robertlafollette.com.