Crystal Clear Waters Welcome Home Seven Sea Turtles

The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center recently released seven rehabilitated sea turtles back into the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico after having spent time at the CARE Center.

The turtles were returned home to the Gulf at Topsail Hill State Preserve State Park, where several hundred locals and tourists gathered and cheered. Even a group of dolphins joined in the celebration, swimming alongside the turtles as they made their way back into the Gulf.

Cressida, an adult female Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle weighing 75 lbs, had a swift recovery at the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center. Accidentally hooked in the left front flipper at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on July 13, 2024, Cressida’s radiographs and blood work showed no internal issues, allowing her a quick return to the wild.

Riley, another adult female Kemp’s Ridley, also had a brief stay at the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center. Hooked accidentally in the right front flipper at Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier on July 13th, Riley’s intake tests were normal, and she was promptly cleared for release.

Pomory, a subadult loggerhead, faced a tougher battle. Accidentally hooked at Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier with a circle hook in his lower right jaw and two hooks in his intestines, Pomory overcame anemia with antibiotics and spent two months at the center before being ready for release.

Agatha, an adult female Kemp’s Ridley, was accidentally hooked in the right front flipper with a J-hook at Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier on July 12, 2024. With no internal hooks noted on x-rays, Agatha was cleared to return to the Gulf of Mexico.

Athena, a subadult Kemp’s Ridley, was accidentally hooked in both front flippers at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on July 13, 2024. Weighing 56 lbs, Athena received a clean bill of health and was excitedly returned to her natural habitat.

Damon, a subadult loggerhead weighing 120 lbs, was hooked accidentally in the mouth by a shore fisherman at Topsail Hill State Park. After the successful removal of the hook, Damon was medically cleared for release.

Lime II, a subadult loggerhead weighing 118 lbs, had a history with the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center as this was her second visit. Accidentally hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on July 3, 2024, Lime had multiple internal hooks removed. After being released last year, Lime returned for additional care and was once again ready for release.

If you see a sea turtle in distress, injured, or deceased please report it to the 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 C.A.R.E. Center and its patients can be visited as part of a general admission ticket to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

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 website or through their Amazon Wishlist.

Photos: Gulfarium CARE Center