The Gulfarium CARE Center successfully released three rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Gulf this morning at Inlet Beach Regional Access. With beautiful weather, calm surf, and a large supportive crowd gathered along the shoreline, loggerheads Carlos and Kora and green sea turtle Gourdon eagerly made their way back to the Gulf after receiving care from the Gulfarium CARE Center team.
This 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.
Carlos, a 75-pound loggerhead, was admitted on May 18 after being accidentally hooked by a fisherman with fishing line wrapped around a pier pylon. Upon intake, two external hooks were removed, and radiographs showed two hooks in the esophagus and two additional internal hooks in the stomach.
Gourdon, a 90-pound green sea turtle, was admitted on May 29. Gourdon was accidentally hooked in the mouth and had an additional hook in the armpit.
Kora, an 80-pound loggerhead, was admitted on June 8. Kora arrived after being accidentally hooked in the mouth with a treble hook. The mouth hook was removed during intake, and diagnostic imaging showed one additional internal hook.
All of the day’s turtles were cleared for release after receiving treatment at the CARE Center.
“These releases are the result of a lot of work behind the scenes,” said Sarah Kamen, Stranding Coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center. “From rescue and transport to exams, treatment, and daily care, it takes many people working together to get turtles like Carlos, Gourdon, and Kora back to the Gulf.”
If you see a sea turtle in distress, injured, or deceased, please report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission immediately at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).
Follow the Gulfarium CARE Center on Facebook to stay up to date on patient stories, releases, and conservation efforts. The CARE Center and its patients can be visited as part of a general admission ticket to Gulfarium.
The Gulfarium CARE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is proud to act as a beacon for coastal conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation.
