Beach

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

The Gulfarium’s C.A.R.E. Center successfully released six rehabilitated sea turtle patients on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Inlet Beach. According to the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center, they have taken in 89 patients this year, and so far have released 58 of them (5 just last week!). Yesterday, six sea turtles that included four Loggerheads, one Kemps ridley, and one Green were able to return to the Gulf of […]

Jared Williams

The Gulfarium’s C.A.R.E. Center successfully released six rehabilitated sea turtle patients on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Inlet Beach.

According to the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center, they have taken in 89 patients this year, and so far have released 58 of them (5 just last week!). Yesterday, six sea turtles that included four Loggerheads, one Kemps ridley, and one Green were able to return to the Gulf of Mexico. This marks the third release at Inlet Beach in the last month.

“Lychee”, an adult female Kemps ridley weighing in at 73 lbs., was caught on July 2 at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier wrapped in fishing line. After x-rays and bloodwork showed no other ailments and no internal hooks, Lychee was cleared for a very short stay at the CARE Center.

“Apple”, a subadult Loggerhead weighing in at 88 lbs., was accidentally hooked in the mouth by a circle hook at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on June 26, 2023.

“Finn”, a subadult Loggerhead weighing 100 lbs., was foul-hooked at Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier on February 26 with a j-hook in his esophagus. Finn was very emaciated and anemic upon arrival. After months of rehabilitation and rest, Finn was finally cleared for release.

Finley makes his return to the Gulf after a three month rehabilitation stay at the C.A.R.E. Center. (Gulfarium CARE Center)

“Finley”, a subadult Loggerhead weighing 96 lbs., was accidentally hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on April 4, 2023. Due to the severity of entanglement he had sustained, his right front flipper was amputated at the CARE Center. After three months of healing and rest, he passed his health exit exam and was ready to be returned to the Gulf.
- “Per FWC regulations, turtles are releasable if they have at least one flipper on each side of their body, and do just as well as turtles with all four flippers,” says Tabitha Siegfried, Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Stranding Coordinator.

“Mango”, a subadult Loggerhead hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on July 2 and “Coconut”, a juvenile Green recently hooked at NBFP, also joined the release.

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...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

News

Lil Joe, Inigo arrive at Gulfarium’s new manatee rescue habitat

News

Gulfarium CARE Center welcomes eight cold-stunned sea turtles for rehabilitation

Events, School

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park hosts educational week for homeschoolers

Beach

Gulfarium CARE Center gets $13,391 grant for sea turtle rescue vehicle

Gwendolyn Others commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“My vote is for it to be a public owned event space that can actually be rented out for a reasonable cost to individuals and free for not for profit...”

Respond

Robert kovarik commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“I used to work at the Red Mobster 15 or more years ago making the biscuits and baking potatoes”

Diane Gilbert commented on New Okaloosa Agriculture Extension Office to be named after Sheila Dunning

“We moved to Florida to our retirement home in Niceville in 1991. It was at Crestview Nursery, when we met Sheila as a sales person. As time progressed she assisted...”

EDWARD Nicholas EICH Jr. commented on Walton County TDC unanimously supports bringing PGA Tour event to the area

“Sandestin's Raven hosted The Boeing Championship - PGA Champions Tour - 2006-2207 after moving from The Moor's in Milton EdEich@msn.com”

Trey Gregory commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“I think this is a great idea - unique property with waterfront, adjacent to LJP, on 98 - and built with bed tax dollars to draw more vacationers. Sounds like...”

Gretchen Goode commented on New Okaloosa Agriculture Extension Office to be named after Sheila Dunning

“I’m so sorry to hear about Sheila’s passing. We were friends a long time but had lost touch. She was so very smart and a really nice person. My condolences...”

Kathleen Woodward commented on Deputy critical, suspect dead in officer-involved shooting in Walton County

“Praying firvofficer and his family”

Robert Sterner commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“Wife and I were thinking of making an offer for the property. What a beautiful home site it would make”

Rebecca Buckner commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“No, buying the ship was a great idea and will be a wonderful place to snorkeling, and scuba diving.”

Nauticole commented on New beach bar brings ‘Old Florida’ feel to Sandpiper Cove in Destin

“SPC beach bars have been successful for Decades. We have a large loyal and captive group! The Sand Flea family of restauranteurs have ways succeeded and will drawer other beach...”