Three rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles returned to the Gulf last Thursday morning after a weather shift that saw storm clouds give way to sunshine just in time for their 11 a.m. release at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
- The Gulfarium CARE Center released Doyle, Ripley and Coriander on July 17 following weeks of specialized medical care. All three subadult loggerheads had been accidentally hooked at local fishing piers before their rescue and rehabilitation.
Supporters weathered a 30-minute summer downpour before clear skies emerged for the release ceremony, creating what organizers described as a picture-perfect beach scene.
Doyle, a 154-pound loggerhead, spent the longest time in rehabilitation after his rescue from Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier in early May. The turtle arrived heavily covered in barnacles and algae with signs of anemia and a presumed old boat strike injury to his shell. After two months of treatment including antibiotics, iron supplements and rest, Doyle recovered sufficiently for release.
Ripley, weighing 69 pounds, was hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier in June. The turtle arrived with significant barnacle and algae coverage and moderate anemia but responded quickly to fluids, antibiotics and supportive care, earning clearance for release after one month of treatment.
The most recent arrival, Coriander, was rescued July 12 at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier with a treble hook lodged deep in the esophagus. The 167-pound turtle was cleared to return to the wild less than a week later following a successful non-surgical procedure and quick medical intervention.
“We’re incredibly proud of our team and grateful to every single person who came out to support this release, despite the storm,” said Tabitha Siegfried, stranding coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center. “Watching those turtles return to the Gulf under clear skies was truly special.”
The Gulfarium CARE Center continues its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured sea turtles along Florida’s panhandle. The facility relies on community support for operations, with the average cost of rehabilitating a sea turtle exceeding $20,000.
