The Gulfarium's C.A.R.E. Center will be releasing two rehabilitated sea turtles on Thursday, May 12th, 2022, at 10am CST. Thursday's release will be held at the Inlet Beach Pavillion Access, near Rosemary Beach, FL.
Both of the rehabilitated sea turtles fell victim to fishing hook related injuries. One of these turtles will also be outfitted with a satellite tag for the release.
Jamie, a large adult female loggerhead weighing in at 208lbs, was accidentally hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on November 20th, 2021. X-rays showed that she had a large circle hook in her proximal esophagus and a small treble hook further down. Jamie underwent a four-hour surgery on November 22nd to remove both hooks. After the surgery was complete, the recovery phase was very extensive. However, after an extended seven-month long stay at the C.A.R.E. Center, she is finally ready to be released, just in time for breeding and nesting season. A satellite tag has been added to Jamie's carapace (shell) for her release. This satellite tag allows researchers to monitor Jamie’s movements, allowing them to track where she travels and how long she spends at each location. This equipment is part of an ongoing, long-term research project to determine the movement patterns of repeatedly hooked sea turtles at local fishing piers. This is Jamie’s third time being foul hooked at the same pier - she is an excellent candidate for this project.
Sheldon, a sub-adult loggerhead weighing in at 79lbs, was foul hooked with a cobia jig in the right front flipper on April 18th, 2022. Following the initial intake procedure, Sheldon’s X-rays showed a large hook embedded in his tongue. After mild sedation, the hook was successfully removed. Sheldon was observed for a few weeks to ensure all was well and is now ready to head back into the Gulf. This was Sheldon’s second visit to the C.A.R.E. Center for rehabilitation.
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: www.gulfarium.com/care_center
Both of the rehabilitated sea turtles fell victim to fishing hook related injuries. One of these turtles will also be outfitted with a satellite tag for the release.
Jamie, a large adult female loggerhead weighing in at 208lbs, was accidentally hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on November 20th, 2021. X-rays showed that she had a large circle hook in her proximal esophagus and a small treble hook further down. Jamie underwent a four-hour surgery on November 22nd to remove both hooks. After the surgery was complete, the recovery phase was very extensive. However, after an extended seven-month long stay at the C.A.R.E. Center, she is finally ready to be released, just in time for breeding and nesting season. A satellite tag has been added to Jamie's carapace (shell) for her release. This satellite tag allows researchers to monitor Jamie’s movements, allowing them to track where she travels and how long she spends at each location. This equipment is part of an ongoing, long-term research project to determine the movement patterns of repeatedly hooked sea turtles at local fishing piers. This is Jamie’s third time being foul hooked at the same pier - she is an excellent candidate for this project.
Sheldon, a sub-adult loggerhead weighing in at 79lbs, was foul hooked with a cobia jig in the right front flipper on April 18th, 2022. Following the initial intake procedure, Sheldon’s X-rays showed a large hook embedded in his tongue. After mild sedation, the hook was successfully removed. Sheldon was observed for a few weeks to ensure all was well and is now ready to head back into the Gulf. This was Sheldon’s second visit to the C.A.R.E. Center for rehabilitation.
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: www.gulfarium.com/care_center