Four sea turtles returned to Gulf waters Thursday morning after successful rehabilitation at the Gulfarium CARE Center, drawing a large crowd of supporters to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park at 11 a.m. despite gray and rainy conditions.
- The release included two green sea turtles and two loggerheads, all recovered from fishing-related injuries at various locations along the Gulf Coast.
Ridoc, a 21-pound juvenile green sea turtle, had been found floating near Crab Island with hook and line wrapped around his front flipper. His recovery proved challenging as he refused food for nearly a month, but steady care allowed the swelling to subside and the wound to heal.
Ember, a 105-pound subadult loggerhead, arrived at the CARE Center after being accidentally hooked at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier with three hooks embedded in her mouth. After careful hook removal and a full health evaluation, she was cleared for release following a brief recovery period.
Benson, an 89-pound subadult loggerhead, was hooked at Fort Pickens in Pensacola with a circle hook and metal leader line. The hook removal caused slight bleeding, requiring several days of observation. His appetite returned quickly, and he was deemed healthy for release.
The smallest turtle, Matcha, weighed just 5.5 pounds. The juvenile green sea turtle had been hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier with a treble hook in her shoulder. Radiographs and bloodwork showed no lasting damage, and she made a full recovery.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asks the public to report distressed, injured or deceased sea turtles by calling 1-888-404-FWCC.
The Gulfarium CARE Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release along the Gulf Coast. The CARE Center can be visited as part of general admission to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
