The Gulfarium’s C.A.R.E. Center successfully released three rehabilitated sea turtles early Friday morning, July 17th, 2020 at Grayton Beach State Park off of East County Highway 30A.

It’s been a busy sea turtle season for the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. team, who has been working hard to rehabilitate many sick and injured sea turtles in their newly expanded C.A.R.E. Center, which is now viewable by visitors to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. The immediate release of three turtles was a joyous and rewarding event for all.

The first turtle to be released was Peep, a juvenile green sea turtle, who was foul-hooked in the front right shoulder by fishermen at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on June 4th, 2020. The hook was removed upon arrival to the C.A.R.E. Center but radiographs showed an ingested hook in her esophagus. Surgery to remove the ingested hook was performed on June 8th and, following a smooth and successful recovery, Peep was cleared for release back into the Gulf of Mexico.

Uncle Sam, a juvenile green sea turtle weighing 47lbs, was next to be released. This sea turtle was foul-hooked in the front left flipper by a fisherman at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and arrived at the C.A.R.E. Center on May 29th, 2020. Radiographs revealed that a fishing hook had been ingested and that surgery would be required for removal. Following a successful surgery on June 4th, the C.A.R.E. team closely monitored his suture site to ensure healing before he was ready for release. This was Uncle Sam’s second visit to the C.A.R.E. Center, previously arriving on July 4th, 2018.

The final sea turtle to be released was Oreo, a 115lb sub-adult loggerhead. Oreo was hooked in her tongue by fishermen at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on July 14th, 2020. With the use of light sedation, the C.A.R.E. team was able to remove the hook without surgery. An excellent body condition and unremarkable radiographs showing no internal foreign objects, meant that Oreo was quickly ready to head back into the Gulf. “This wasn’t Oreo’s first visit to the C.A.R.E. Center,” explains Terra Throgmorton, Gulfarium’s Medical & Stranding Coordinator. “She had previously stranded on May 3rd, 2019, and was released on June 24th, 2019. Since her initial visit with us, this turtle has grown 7cm and gained 31lbs in weight!”

If you see a sea turtle in distress, injured, or deceased please report it to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission immediately at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).

Follow the C.A.R.E. Center on Facebook to learn more about sea turtles and the center’s rehabilitation efforts.

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. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online on the C.A.R.E. Center’s page.