Seven rehabilitated sea turtles returned to the Gulf on Wednesday morning at Inlet Beach Regional Access, marking one of the Gulfarium CARE Center’s largest releases of the year so far.
The group of patients ranged from juvenile green sea turtles to large subadult loggerheads. The release, along with several others scheduled throughout Walton County this year, was held in partnership with the St. Joe Community Foundation, which supports the center’s rescue and rehabilitation work.
Among those released was Artemis, a 108-pound subadult loggerhead admitted April 1 after being accidentally hooked in Panama City Beach. Diagnostic imaging revealed six additional internal hooks. Artemis received supportive care including fluids, vitamins, mineral oil and cotton balls to help move the gastrointestinal tract along and encourage the hooks to pass naturally without causing internal injury. After nearly two months of rehabilitation and close monitoring, the turtle was cleared for release.
Lichen, a 78-pound subadult loggerhead, was admitted in March after being hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Staff found that he had a previously amputated left front flipper and was heavily covered in barnacles and algae, signs he had been struggling for some time. With fluids, vitamins, antibiotics and months of care, Lichen regained his strength and became known among staff for his spirited personality.
Da Vinci, a 98-pound subadult loggerhead, recovered after treatment for multiple hook-related injuries. Raphael, an 86-pound subadult loggerhead, underwent a successful endoscopic procedure to remove a hook lodged in his esophagus. Degas, a 108-pound subadult loggerhead, was treated for a flipper hooking injury, and Goomba, an 8-pound juvenile green sea turtle, recovered quickly after treatment for a flipper injury.
The final turtle released was Luigi, a 10-pound juvenile green sea turtle admitted just one day before the release after being hooked in the flipper at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Thanks to the quick actions of the reporting angler and prompt veterinary care, Luigi was found to be otherwise healthy and was able to return to the Gulf less than 24 hours after admission.
“Every release is a reminder of why this work matters,” said Sarah Kamen, stranding coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center. “From turtles requiring months of rehabilitation to patients like Luigi who can be released almost immediately, every case represents a collaborative effort between the public, our veterinary team, animal care staff, volunteers, and supporters who make these recoveries possible.”
Anyone who sees a sea turtle in distress, injured or deceased should report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).
