More Than 500 Guests Gather to Watch Two Sea Turtles Return Home at Topsail Hill

A crowd of more than 500 people gathered at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park this morning to witness a powerful moment in marine conservation as the Gulfarium CARE Center released two rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico.

The highlight of the event was Chas, a massive 241-pound adult female loggerhead sea turtle rescued on June 12 after being hooked at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. Chas had nine external and three internal hooks upon intake and successfully passed a treble hook during rehabilitation. As a reproductively active female, she may be returning to our local beaches to nest.

Also released was Sunscreen, a 49-pound Kemp’s ridley sea turtle – the most endangered sea turtle species in the world. Sunscreen was foul-hooked just one day earlier at the same pier and, after a veterinary evaluation, was quickly cleared for release.

The Gulfarium CARE Center extends its gratitude to the community for turning out in such large numbers to support marine wildlife. Releases like these are a direct result of public awareness, rapid reporting, and expert care.

If you see a sea turtle in distress, please contact FWC at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). To stay informed about future releases, follow the Gulfarium CARE Center on Facebook.