Fort Walton Beach, FL - Gulfarium's C.A.R.E. Center is excited to announce the release of three rehabilitated sea turtles. Scooby, Martha, and Jalapeno are scheduled to be released into the Gulf of Mexico on
Wednesday June 28th, 2017 at 9am. The press and public are invited to attend and observe the special occasion. The release will be held at Henderson Beach State Park. Please plan accordingly with potential traffic, parking, and parking fees.
Click here for a map.
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Scooby, a sub-adult Loggerhead, arrived on March 10th, 2017. Scooby was found floating lifeless on her side just west of the Destin Pass. This turtle's body was covered in barnacles, and was critically anemic. The team quickly discovered Scooby had severe intestinal disease, and pneumonia. Scooby received fluid therapy, antibiotics, and began eating after nine days. The C.A.R.E. team removed the barnacles and cleaned her shell. Scooby currently weighs a healthy 108 pounds.
Martha, another sub-adult Loggerhead, arrived on March 29th, 2017. Ironically, this turtle was found in very similar conditions as Scooby. Martha was found floating on her side at Henderson Beach State Park. She also had severe intestinal disease, pneumonia, and was critically anemic. Martha did not have nearly as many barnacles on her shell, but received the same fluid treatments and antibiotics. She responded very well, and currently weighs 135 pounds.
Jalapeno, a juvenile Green sea turtle, had a hook in her right front flipper and was entangled in fishing line that was attached to a pier piling at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Additionally, this sea turtle ingested very small pieces of monofilament. "This turtle arrived on June 1st. We are happy to have such a quick turn around for this little 4.95 pound turtle" said Terra Throgmorton, Senior Aquarist for the Gulfarium.
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Follow the C.A.R.E. Center on
Facebook to learn more about sea turtles, their individual stories, and 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.
Contact: Meredith Horn,
Director of Marketing & Communications
Office 850-243-9046 x.30
Mobile 850-543-8059
meredith.horn@gulfarium.com
