Search
Close this search box.

3 more rehabilitated sea turtles successfully released back into the Gulf of Mexico

On Thursday, July 13, 2023, the Gulfarium’s C.A.R.E. Center successfully released another three rehabilitated sea turtle patients back into the Gulf of Mexico at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida. So far this year, the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center has taken in 91 sea turtles due to strandings, and has released 61 of them.  “Large Marge”, an adult female Loggerhead […]

Spectators and C.A.R.E. Center volunteers cheer as Large Marge makes her celebratory return to the Gulf. (Gulfarium CARE Center)

On Thursday, July 13, 2023, the Gulfarium’s C.A.R.E. Center successfully released another three rehabilitated sea turtle patients back into the Gulf of Mexico at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida.

So far this year, the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center has taken in 91 sea turtles due to strandings, and has released 61 of them. 

  • Today’s release included two Loggerheads and one Kemps ridley.

“Large Marge”, an adult female Loggerhead weighing 182 lbs., was found washed ashore on the Eglin Air Force Base property on June 19th, 2023. She was minimally responsive but still breathing. After arriving at the C.A.R.E. Center, Marge received vital treatments that increased her chance for recovery.

  • After only a short time at the C.A.R.E. Center, Marge was medically cleared for release.
C.A.R.E. Center volunteers Melissa and Bob bring Strawberry to the sand, where she eagerly returned to the water. (Gulfarium CARE Center)

“Strawberry”, a sub-adult Loggerhead weighing 86 lbs., was accidentally foul hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on June 7th, 2023. After her initial intake, her blood results showed she was slightly anemic.

  • The C.A.R.E. Center started Strawberry on oral iron supplements which improved her anemia, and she was medically cleared for release.
C.A.R.E. Center Stranding Coordinator Tabitha Siegfried informs the crowd of proper beach etiquette and how to best care for our local sea turtles. (Gulfarium CARE Center)

“Spicy Tuna”, a sub-adult Kemps ridley weighing 56 lbs., was accidentally foul hooked with a J-hook at Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier on July 9th, 2023. The J-hook was easily removed and all intake bloodwork and radiographs were within healthy limit. Spicy Tuna was cleared for a quick turnaround.

“As much as we love having these turtles, days like today are always exciting because it means we’re doing our job well and they get to go home,” says C.A.R.E. Center Stranding Coordinator, Tabitha Siegfried.

If you see a sea turtle in distress, injured, or deceased please report it to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission immediately at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922). 

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Yea Don Gaetz of all people, he should go!”
Respond
“Why the H... does anyone vote for any politician who is in favor of having the horrible disgusting private beaches? Every resident, every visitor, every tax payer MUST have a...”
Respond
“The air force doesn't own or need the land! It isn't theirs. It was mostly Choctawhatchee National Forest. The air force tried to sell that land in the 2000's but...”
Respond
“Those signs that you recommend have been there for years, just people annoyed them to the point that Eglin has now had to step the game up”
Respond
“Now that Ms. Ketchel has torn down more dunes, plus paved over what was beautiful sand, golf carts can drive from one end to the other. No way to cross...”
Respond
“It shows the beach being a part of the property. This was part of the plot plan. When the documents were shown to the attorney in depositions the Walton County...”
Respond
“Great history lesson. The only point I'll disagree with is the multi use path... I think its a good thing. Maybe a lot of money but it may save a...”
Respond
“This fence is a colossal waste of DoD dollars and needs to be investigated. These dollars should have been spent supporting the warfighter. The ruse that it protects environmentally sensitive...”
Respond
“This article is obviously written by someone with 0 knowledge of the area. The erosion happening now is because " The Wall," as anyone that's been here since the 70's...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.