Four Sea Turtles Return to the Gulf Following Successful Rehabilitation at Gulfarium CARE Center

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL – May 29, 2025 – A gray and rainy morning didn’t stop the Gulfarium CARE Center from celebrating another successful sea turtle release at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, a large crowd of supporters gathered to witness the heartwarming moment these turtles made their way home.

Among the turtles released was Ridoc, a juvenile green sea turtle weighing 21 pounds. Ridoc was found floating near Crab Island with hook and line wrapped tightly around his front flipper. His recovery took time—he refused food for nearly a month—but with steady care, the swelling in his flipper subsided, the wound healed, and he was soon strong enough to return to the wild.

Ember, a 105-pound subadult loggerhead, was also released after being accidentally hooked at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. Ember arrived at the CARE Center with three hooks embedded in her mouth. After they were carefully removed and she passed a full health evaluation, she was cleared for release following a brief recovery.

Benson, another subadult loggerhead weighing 89 pounds, was hooked at Fort Pickens in Pensacola with a circle hook and metal leader line. The hook removal caused slight bleeding, so Benson was kept under observation for several days. His appetite quickly returned, and he was soon deemed healthy enough to be released.

Rounding out the group was Matcha, a juvenile green sea turtle weighing just 5.5 pounds. Matcha had been hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier with a treble hook in her shoulder. Her radiographs and bloodwork showed no lasting damage, and she made a quick and full recovery, earning her spot in today’s release.

These turtles represent quick turnaround success stories—each one a testament to the critical work being done by the Gulfarium CARE Center’s animal care and veterinary teams. Seeing them return to the Gulf is not only a moment of joy but also a powerful reminder of the importance of marine conservation.

If you see a sea turtle in distress, injured, or deceased, please report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).

To learn more about sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, follow the CARE Center on Facebook. The CARE 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 organization, is proud to support marine life rescue, rehabilitation, and release along the Gulf Coast. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online or through the CARE Center’s Amazon Wishlist.