Hundreds of supporters lined the shore at Henderson Beach State Park on October 15 as the Gulfarium CARE Center released three rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Gulf.
- The crowd of locals and vacationers cheered as staff released Morticia, Paprika and Poppyseed, celebrating both the turtles’ recoveries and the community’s commitment to marine life conservation.
Morticia, a 91-pound adult female Kemp’s ridley, was rescued October 8 after being hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier by a recreational fisherman. X-rays taken upon arrival at the CARE Center revealed a large circle hook lodged in her mouth. The veterinary team successfully removed the hook non-surgically, and after a short recovery period, Morticia was cleared for release with a clean bill of health.
Paprika, a 23-pound subadult Kemp’s ridley, was found floating near Okaloosa Island on July 20 by a concerned beachgoer who quickly contacted authorities. After being transported to the Gulfarium CARE Center, Paprika received care to restore her buoyancy and strength. Following several months of observation and rehabilitation, she was ready to return to the Gulf.
The largest turtle released was Poppyseed, a 220-pound adult female loggerhead. Poppyseed was rescued August 1 after being foul-hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and found with a severe entanglement on her left front flipper. The veterinary team treated her wounds with antibiotics and provided the time and care she needed to heal.
- Since its founding in 2015, the Gulfarium CARE Center has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of sea turtles, working closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and dedicated volunteers to protect these marine species.
Anyone who encounters a sea turtle in distress, injured or deceased should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922.
The CARE Center and its patients can be visited as part of general admission to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Updates on current patients and upcoming releases are available on the Gulfarium CARE Center’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
