A remarkable turnout of supporters packed the shoreline at Henderson Beach State Park this morning as an enthusiastic crowd of locals and vacationers gathered to witness three rehabilitated sea turtles make their return to the Gulf. Hundreds of spectators cheered as the Gulfarium CARE Center team released Morticia, Paprika, and Poppyseed, celebrating both the turtles’ recoveries and the community’s shared passion for marine life conservation.
Among the turtles making their return home today was Morticia, an adult female Kemp’s ridley weighing 91 pounds. Morticia was rescued on 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.
Joining Morticia was Paprika, a subadult Kemp’s ridley weighing 23 pounds. Paprika 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 today was Poppyseed, a 220-pound adult female loggerhead. Poppyseed was rescued on 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. After a full recovery, Poppyseed is once again ready to thrive.
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 (FWC) and dedicated volunteers to protect these vital marine species.
If you encounter a sea turtle in distress, injured, or deceased, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
Follow the Gulfarium CARE Center on Facebook and Instagram for updates on current patients and upcoming releases. The CARE Center and its patients can be visited as part of general admission to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
The Gulfarium CARE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is proud to serve as a leader in marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, inspiring conservation through education and action. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online through the CARE Center’s webpage or Amazon Wishlist.
