On June 19, 2024 at Topsail Hill State Preserve, the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center successfully released five rehabilitated sea turtles back into their natural habitat in the Gulf of Mexico.

• The release, witnessed by a gathering of locals, tourists, and sea turtle advocates, marked a significant milestone for these animals and the dedicated team at the Center.

Among the released turtles was Lapinta, a subadult loggerhead sea turtle who was accidentally foul-hooked at Okaloosa Fishing Pier on June 7, 2024. Named by Kim through his donation at the inaugural “C.A.R.E. on the Coast” fundraising event, Lapinta received supportive care at the center and, weighing 103 lbs, excitedly returned home to the Gulf.

Dorothy, an 84-lb sea turtle hooked in the mouth at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, had one internal hook in her GI tract that fortunately passed naturally. Charlotte, a 60.5-lb adult Kemp’s ridley, was foul-hooked at Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier on June 12, 2024, and was medically cleared for release by the center’s veterinary staff.

Rallis, a 136-lb subadult loggerhead, was hooked in the front left flipper with a tarpon jig at the Pensacola Beach fishing pier.

Lastly, Lilith, a 60-lb adult Kemp’s ridley hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on June 11, 2024, suffered no internal hooks and was ready to return to the Gulf after receiving a clean bill of health from the staff.

• The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center reminds the public to report any sea turtle in distress, injured, or deceased to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission immediately at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).