The Gulfarium CARE Center released two rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles back into the Gulf this morning at Inlet Beach Regional Access. A supportive crowd gathered along the shoreline as Hotdog and Donatello made their way home 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.
Hotdog, a 106-pound subadult loggerhead, was admitted after being accidentally hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on July 4 — inspiring his name. Upon intake, staff discovered an additional hook in his stomach during X-rays. Hotdog was sedated for an endoscopic procedure, during which veterinary staff successfully removed all of the fishing gear from his stomach. No additional hooks were present, and his bloodwork remained within normal limits throughout rehabilitation. After passing his swim evaluations and making a smooth recovery, Hotdog was cleared for release.
Donatello, a 165-pound adult female loggerhead, is a repeat patient who was admitted after being accidentally hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Throughout her rehabilitation, she received supportive care, including fluids, vitamins, and iron, to aid in her recovery. After responding well to treatment and making a full recovery, Donatello was deemed healthy and fit for release.
"Donatello's return is a good reminder of how important it is for the public to be aware and report it if they accidentally hook a turtle while fishing," said Sarah Kamen, Stranding Coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center. "Whether it's a turtle's first time in our care or, like today, a repeat patient, every recovery is a team effort between our veterinary staff, animal care team, and the public who report these incidents."
Both turtles were cleared for release after receiving treatment at the CARE Center.
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.
