The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center successfully released seven rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico on July 18, 2024. The release took place at Topsail Hill State Preserve, drawing hundreds of spectators including locals, tourists, sea turtle advocates, and university students.
- The released turtles included five Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and two loggerheads, all of which had been treated for various injuries at the center. Most of the turtles had been accidentally hooked by fishermen at local piers.
Cressida and Riley, both adult female Kemp’s Ridleys, had short stays at the center after being hooked in their flippers on July 13. Agatha, another adult female Kemp’s Ridley, and Athena, a subadult, were also treated for fishing hook injuries.
Pomory, a subadult loggerhead, faced a more challenging recovery. Hooked in the jaw and intestines, Pomory required two months of care, including treatment for anemia.
Damon, a subadult loggerhead weighing 120 pounds, was hooked in the mouth by a shore fisherman at Topsail Hill State Park. After the hook was removed, Damon was cleared for release.
One turtle, Lime II, a subadult loggerhead, was making her second visit to the center. After being released last year, Lime returned for additional care following a July 3 hooking incident at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier.
The C.A.R.E. Center, part of the Gulfarium CARE Foundation, a non-profit organization, focuses on marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. The center reminds the public to report any sea turtles in distress to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC.
