What began with umbrellas and ponchos ended in cheers and sunshine as the Gulfarium CARE Center successfully released three rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles into the Gulf on Thursday, July 17, at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. A dedicated crowd of guests, volunteers, and sea turtle supporters braved a 30-minute summer downpour before the clouds parted just in time for the 11:00 a.m. release, creating a picture-perfect moment on the beach.
The three subadult loggerhead sea turtles—Doyle, Ripley, and Coriander—were all rescued after being accidentally hooked at local fishing piers and underwent weeks of specialized care and rehabilitation at the Gulfarium CARE Center.
Doyle, a 154-pound loggerhead rescued from Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier in early May, arrived heavily encrusted in barnacles and algae with a presumed old boat strike injury to his shell and signs of anemia. After two months of antibiotics, iron supplements, and rest, Doyle made a strong recovery and was ready to return to the Gulf.
Ripley, weighing 69 pounds, was hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier in June and arrived with significant barnacle and algae coverage and moderate anemia. After receiving fluids, antibiotics, and supportive care, Ripley rebounded quickly and was cleared for release after just a month.
Coriander, the most recent intake, was rescued on July 12th at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier with a treble hook lodged deep in the esophagus. Thanks to a successful non-surgical procedure and quick medical intervention, the 167-pound turtle was cleared to return to the wild less than a week later.
“We’re incredibly proud of our team and grateful to every single person who came out to support this release, despite the storm,” said Tabitha Siegfried, Stranding Coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center. “Watching those turtles return to the Gulf under clear skies was truly special.”
The Gulfarium CARE Center remains committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured sea turtles along Florida’s panhandle. Community support plays a vital role in these efforts, with the average cost of rehabilitating a sea turtle totaling over $20,000.
To learn more about the CARE Center, visit www.gulfarium.com/CARE, and follow the Gulfarium CARE Center on social media for future release announcements and conservation updates.
