After nearing death twice, Lazarus the sea turtle was treated and returned to the Atlantic Ocean with his friend, Dozer the sea turtle, by the South Carolina Aquarium

Lazarus' two near death experiences occurred after he was discovered off of the coast of Garden City, South Carolina. 

When Lazarus was brought to the Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital in June 2014 he was diagnosed with severe anemia, hypoproteinemia and hypoglycemia. While Lazarus was being treated his eyes started sinking to the back of his head, he extended his head and front flippers in an exaggerated fashion, all while gasping for air, the aquarium said. 

He regained responsiveness when Aquarium Veterinarian Dr. Shane Boylan administered IV epinephrine and began assisting with Lazarus' breathing.

A few days after that, the turtle showed the signs of being close to death once again, said the aquarium. 

Now, nearly a year later he appears as healthy as can be. 


Lazarus' sea turtle friend, Dozer, also had a near death experience last year when he was found in critical condition in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in Sept. 2014. 

Within a few months Dozer regained his strength and the aquarium deemed him healthy enough to go back to his natural habitat in the ocean as well. 

Lazarus and Dozer returned to the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina on Friday, April 10.