Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) is releasing “Lucia,” a subadult loggerhead sea turtle back into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday morning, December 18, 2024, at 8:30 am CT at 438 Park Place Avenue, Inlet Beach, Florida.
“Lucia,” a subadult loggerhead sea turtle, was brought to Gulf World Marine Institute late in the afternoon on World Ocean’s Day, June 8, 2024. Thanks to the determined efforts of our friends at South Walton Turtle Watch, Lucia, who had been reportedly struggling to swim in the shallow waters near shore in Walton County, was rescued and transported to our rehabilitation program.
It was clear that Lucia had endured some recent trauma, as the turtle's left front flipper was largely missing, left rear flipper had open wounds, and the back end/tail area also had open wounds.
Lucia began medical treatment for these injuries and was initially placed in a shallow water habitat to slowly assess energy levels and mobility without causing additional stress.
After undergoing medical treatment, Lucia slowly regained her energy and mobility. Her wounds have healed well, and she now has a healthy appetite and has been eating capelin and herring!
We would like to thank our stranding network partners for their assistance in bringing this beautiful loggerhead to our rehab program!
Lucia has been medically cleared by veterinary staff and has been cleared for release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The public is invited to attend this event. Please keep in mind this event is subject to change based on weather conditions.
GWMI would like to thank everyone involved in the rescue of stranded sea turtles. If you see a stranded or deceased dolphin, whale or sea turtle, please immediately report to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1-888-404-3922 or #FWC on your cell phone.
“Lucia,” a subadult loggerhead sea turtle, was brought to Gulf World Marine Institute late in the afternoon on World Ocean’s Day, June 8, 2024. Thanks to the determined efforts of our friends at South Walton Turtle Watch, Lucia, who had been reportedly struggling to swim in the shallow waters near shore in Walton County, was rescued and transported to our rehabilitation program.
It was clear that Lucia had endured some recent trauma, as the turtle's left front flipper was largely missing, left rear flipper had open wounds, and the back end/tail area also had open wounds.
Lucia began medical treatment for these injuries and was initially placed in a shallow water habitat to slowly assess energy levels and mobility without causing additional stress.
After undergoing medical treatment, Lucia slowly regained her energy and mobility. Her wounds have healed well, and she now has a healthy appetite and has been eating capelin and herring!
We would like to thank our stranding network partners for their assistance in bringing this beautiful loggerhead to our rehab program!
Lucia has been medically cleared by veterinary staff and has been cleared for release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The public is invited to attend this event. Please keep in mind this event is subject to change based on weather conditions.
GWMI would like to thank everyone involved in the rescue of stranded sea turtles. If you see a stranded or deceased dolphin, whale or sea turtle, please immediately report to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1-888-404-3922 or #FWC on your cell phone.