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

Philip Michael commented on The road ahead: Inside the year-long transformation of SS United States into world’s largest artificial reef

“What about this grass roots effort by some NYC Coalition that wants to buy and save it? Turn it into a hotel or community center in Brooklyn NY. They are...”

Respond

Mark commented on Okaloosa County to break ground on 4-mile bridge-to-bridge multi-use path

“The government has not yet been educated about e-bikes. It should be okay to ride your e-bike on bike paths with motors that can not go over 15 mph because...”

Barbara Wilkey commented on The road ahead: Inside the year-long transformation of SS United States into world’s largest artificial reef

“Where will the museum be?”

Linda commented on Kite Festival set to return to The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

“What is Dates”

Ray commented on Crestview Council moves toward complete smoking ban in city parks

“Interesting and fully support initiative. Would like to know more about how enforcement will occur. Signs aren't enough as people are overly entitled, rude and indifferent, in addition city communications...”

Cecil commented on Eglin waterways now considered restricted, visitor passes required

“The islands are under US Army Corps of Engineers”

jenny commented on Okaloosa law enforcement collaboration results in meth, fentanyl seizure in Fort Walton Beach

“I am glad that its getting off the street, I think it would highly benefit our society if we could begin implementing awareness programs and addiction prevention from K-12th grade”

Capt K commented on Okaloosa asks public to ‘stay off’ bridge-to-bridge path during construction

“Another amusing example of how incompetent our local county commissioners are. Blame it on "residents" as usual instead of serving them.”

MRHenderson commented on Okaloosa asks public to ‘stay off’ bridge-to-bridge path during construction

“Easy fix, towing and tickets.”

Darla commented on Kite Festival set to return to The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

“There's a ramp at the main entrance to the boardwalk and she'll be able to see the kites from there without having to go onto the beach.”