A mix of green and loggerhead sea turtles, ranging from juveniles to adults, were released Wednesday morning into the Gulf of Mexico after being rehabilitated. The turtles had been accidentally hooked by fishermen off local fishing piers and were treated at the Gulfarium's CARE Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

(See Video of Release Below)

A large crowd gathered at the Perdido Key Public Beach Access 4 to witness the release of five endangered sea turtles back into their natural habitat. After being cared for and rehabilitated at the Gulfarium, the turtles were deemed healthy enough to return to the gulf.

As each turtle was released, a member of the CARE team explained its species, its size, what caused it to need care. 

During the releases, a CARE Center team member said that an increasing number of sea turtles are being admitted each year, with a record-breaking 130 turtles nursed back to health and released in 2023.

The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center launched its own team to respond to sea turtle emergencies on Okaloosa Island in 2024. This is in addition to existing teams who take care of the Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach areas. 

Across the line in Alabama, the Orange Beach Wildlife Center and Management Program rescues sea turtles and other native wildlife. While many of the rescues remain in Orange Beach for care and rehabilitation, some of the more severe cases are transported to the Gulfarium in Fort Walton or The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Mississippi for further assessment and treatment. 

On the Orange Beach Wildlife Center’s website they say, “If you accidentally hook a sea turtle, please do NOT attempt to remove the fishing gear! Sea turtles are endangered, and it is crucial that these incidences get reported immediately.” 

To report a nesting, injured, or distressed sea turtle in Orange Beach, call 866-732-8878. In Florida, call 888-404-3922.