A heartwarming scene unfolded today at Inlet Beach Regional Access as the Gulfarium CARE Center released two rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico. Among the attendees were evacuees from Southern Florida, seeking relief from Hurricane Milton’s devastation. For many, the turtle release offered a much-needed moment of hope and inspiration. Locals, tourists, and evacuees alike gathered to witness the triumphant return of these resilient sea turtles to their natural habitat, symbolizing perseverance and renewal.
The two turtles released were Ditto, a 125-pound subadult loggerhead, and Louie, an adult male Kemp’s Ridley. Ditto was accidentally foul-hooked at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier on July 14, 2024. In addition to the hook, Ditto suffered shark bites on his front right and back right flippers and had a fishing hook lodged in his esophagus, which was removed non-surgically. After a three-month recovery at the CARE Center, during which Ditto healed from his injuries and mild anemia, he was ready to return to the Gulf.
Louie, an adult male Kemp’s Ridley—one of the most endangered sea turtles in the world—was found on May 24, 2024, at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, swimming with a fishing pole tightly wrapped around his right front flipper. The injury was so severe that the flipper had to be amputated shortly after his arrival at the CARE Center. Louie spent 4.5 months recovering from the procedure, and today’s release marked a particularly significant milestone. This is the second male Kemp’s Ridley that the CARE Center has successfully rehabilitated and released this year, an extraordinary accomplishment given the rarity of male sea turtles in this critically endangered species.
To further support conservation efforts, Louie was outfitted with a satellite tag so researchers and state officials can track his movements and gather valuable data on rehabilitated turtles in the wild.
“Helping sea turtles like Louie is critical for the continued survival of these endangered species,” said Tabitha Siegfried, Stranding Coordinator for the Gulfarium CARE Center. “We’re incredibly proud to have contributed to their recovery, and being able to release not just one, but two male Kemp’s Ridley turtles this year is a remarkable achievement.”
The Gulfarium CARE Center’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles plays a crucial role in marine conservation. Louie’s release highlights the impact of these efforts, offering hope for the future of his species.
If you see a sea turtle in distress, injured, or deceased, please report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).
Follow the Gulfarium CARE Center on Facebook to stay updated on ongoing rehabilitation efforts and learn more about how you can help save marine wildlife. Visitors can see the CARE Center’s work in action as part of their general admission ticket to the Gulfarium.
The Gulfarium CARE Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. Donations can be made online to support these vital conservation efforts.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online on the C.A.R.E. Center's webpage or through their Amazon Wishlist.
