Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center Releases Five More Sea Turtles Back to the Gulf
Amidst a gathering of locals, tourists and passionate sea turtle advocates in June, five rehabilitated sea turtle patients were joyously returned to their natural habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. The event, held at Topsail Hill State Preserve, marked a significant milestone for these remarkable animals and the dedicated team at the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center who tirelessly worked towards their recovery.
Lapinta, a subadult loggerhead sea turtle, was accidentally foul-hooked at Okaloosa Fishing Pier on June 7, 2024. She had no other hooks or injuries and received supportive care at the C.A.R.E. Center. Lapinta was named by Kim through his donation at the inaugural “C.A.R.E. on the Coast” fundraising event held in May. Weighing 103 lbs., Lapinta excitedly returned home to the Gulf.
Dorothy, hooked in the mouth at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, had one internal hook in her GI, but thankfully it passed naturally. Weighing 84 lbs.., Dorothy returned to her natural environment with a promising future ahead.
Charlotte, an adult Kemp’s ridley weighing 60.5 lbs., was foul hooked at Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier on June 12, 2024. Charlotte was medically cleared for release by the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center veterinary staff and eagerly made her way back to the emerald waters.
Rallis, a subadult loggerhead who weighs 136 lbs., was hooked in the front left flipper with a tarpon jig at the Pensacola Beach fishing pier. The care provided to Rallis and all the sea turtles that come through the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center is funded by the gracious donations of the community. Rallis braved the waves to return to his home.
Finally, Lilith, an adult Kemp’s ridley was hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on June 11, 2024. Weighing 60 lbs., luckily, she suffered from no internal hooks so once she received a clean bill of health from staff, she was ready to return to the Gulf.
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 webpage or through their Amazon Wishlist.
