Two Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings were found from an aquarium at the home of a Florida man. He has been summoned for keeping these turtles, which are threatened species. The turtles have been removed from the aquarium and transferred to the Loggerhead Marine Life Sanctuary Center and were released offshore.

Willam Jowett, 53, said that he found the turtles two months from his backyard canal. He took them with him as he wanted to show them to his daughter. He put them in the aquarium and has planned to release them, but he changed his mind because he got emotionally attached with them.

The turtles were taken from him and now, have been released back into the wild. Penalties for the misdemeanor citation includes imprisonment of up to one year and one could even face a fine of up to $1,000.

FWC Lt. Chris Harris said that their main aim to preserve the natural resources of Florida and also to protect Florida’s people through practical and responsive law enforcement services. “This investigation is only one example of our commitment to achieve this goal and demonstrates our efforts working with federal partners, the general public and the State Attorney”, affirmed Harris.

Under the Federal Endangered Species Act, the loggerhead sea turtles are threatened species. As per which, take, possession, disturbance, mutilation, destruction, selling, transference, molestation and harassment of marine turtles, nests or eggs is not allowed.