Gulf World Marine Institute is happy to announce that Sprout and Lil DJ have been medically cleared to be released into the Gulf of Mexico. The Kemp’s ridley sea turtles will be released at Inlet Beach Access off of Lakeshore Drive on Thursday, June 1st at 10:00 am. The public is invited to attend this event.
Sprout was rescued on April 5th, 2017 by South Walton Turtle Watch. The sea turtle washed up on the shore during rough surf conditions. The animal was lethargic, lacking buoyancy control and wasn’t eating. Sprout was treated with fluids and antibiotics and is now eating well and swimming normally.
Lil’ DJ was rescued on March 27th by fisherman offshore and brought to Saint Andrews State Park. It was found wrapped in marine debris. The debris was wrapped around three flippers and its neck. Fortunately, only one rear flipper was severely damaged. Vet staff determined that the rear right flipper should be amputated because the debris caused irreversible damage. The animal’s amputation site has healed well and it is now swimming and diving successfully.
Found primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, but also as far north as Nova Scotia, Kemp’s ridleys are among the smallest sea turtles, reaching only about 2 feet in shell length and weighing up to 100 pounds. Their upper shell, or carapace, is a greenish-grey color, and their bellies are off-white to yellowish.
Adopt a Sea Turtle Program
If you love sea turtles, and want to help us in our efforts at Gulf World Marine Institute, you can symbolically adopt some of our featured patients! For a donation of $25 or more, you can become an adoptive parent of our patient. With the donation, you will receive a 4×6 photo of your animal, a certificate of adoption, information sheet and GWMI sticker. You will be contacted when the turtle is medically cleared for release. Go to gwmi.info for more information.
Gulf World Marine Institute operates under the umbrella of Gulf World by Dolphin Discovery as a 501c3 nonprofit and has served as the only long-term marine mammal rehabilitation facility in Northern Florida. The Institute responds to sick, injured or stranded animals, rehabilitates and releases them into the wild and serves as an educational resource to schools throughout our area. The Institute has rescued thousands of sick and debilitated marine animals since 1970.
Learn more about Gulf World Marine Institute and their important work at gwmi.info. Follow Gulf World Marine Institute on Facebook for updates and news. If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the Florida Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 1-888-404-3922.
Follow Gulf World Marine Park on Facebook for updates and news from our friends in Panama City Beach, Florida. Read more at SoWal Business Guide | Gulf World. Visit Gulf World online for information and news about our marine park - a place for the whole family to explore. Sign up for the newsletter.
Gulf World by Dolphin Discovery and Gulf World Marine Institute: learn more in the SoWal Business Guide!
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