The Gulfarium CARE Center released five rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Gulf this morning at Inlet Beach Regional Access. A supportive crowd gathered along the shoreline to watch loggerheads Waffles, Bashful, and Pepper, Kemp’s ridley Buzz, and green sea turtle Coconut return to the Gulf following successful rehabilitation at the Gulfarium CARE Center.
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.
Waffles, a 140-pound subadult loggerhead, returned to the CARE Center for his second rehabilitation stay after being accidentally hooked at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. Upon further examination he was found to have five hooks internally and through specific techniques administered was able to naturally pass these remaining hooks and fishing line during rehabilitation.
Bashful, a 68-pound subadult loggerhead, was admitted after being accidentally hooked at the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier. A treble hook lodged deep in his throat was safely removed under sedation, and he was cleared for release after several days of monitoring.
Buzz, a 7-pound Kemp’s ridley, was accidentally hooked in the mouth on Pensacola Beach. The hook was removed during intake, and after supportive care and monitoring, Buzz made a strong recovery.
Coconut, a 59-pound subadult green sea turtle and returning CARE Center patient, was accidentally hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. She was able to naturally pass an internal hook and continued to recover well throughout her month of supportive care.
Pepper, a 114-pound loggerhead and returning patient, was admitted with an internal hook that required surgery. Following a successful procedure and continued rehabilitation, Pepper’s surgical site healed well and he was cleared for release.
“Being able to release five turtles in one morning is a great reminder of why every part of the rehabilitation process matters,” said Sarah Kamen, Stranding Coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center. “Each of these turtles came to us with a different story and different needs, and seeing them healthy and ready to return to the Gulf is what our team works toward every day.”
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 also be visited as part of a general admission ticket to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
The Gulfarium CARE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is proud to act as a beacon for coastal conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation.
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