Sea Turtles are a truly majestic animal, and two of these beautiful creatures were recently returned to their home in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park invited the public to join in commemorating their 60th anniversary with an exciting sea turtle release at Henderson Beach State Park. Gulfarium’s Sea Turtle C.A.R.E. staff is dedicated to doing what their title stands for: Conserve, Act, Rehabiliate, Educate. Two adult loggerheads first entered the program in distress and are being released triumphant. The larger of the two turtles, Gerdy, was observed lethargic and listless three miles off the coast of Topsail Beach State Park in April of this year. The other loggerhead, Norma Jean required surgery to remove a hook and line after being caught by a fisherman off the Navarre Beach Pier in June. After undergoing successful treatment, both turtles have made incredible recoveries. Incidental capture in fishing line is one of the greatest threats to sea turtles. Norma Jean and Gerdy demonstrated the skills required for release, such as diving and eating without assistance, and were then deemed releasable by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Krista Stouffer stated, “We couldn’t be happier with the turnout at Henderson Beach State Park for the release of these two loggerheads. This is an incredible opportunity for the public to witness sea turtle conservation in action and fantastic way for the Gulfarium Sea Turtle CARE Program to educate folks on the dangers this species faces and ways that they can help.”
The sun was shining as the crowds excitedly gathered on the pure white sandy beaches of Henderson Beach State Park. The Gulfarium team described the struggles these sea turtles have endured to get where they were as they released them one by one onto the shores. Gerdy and Norma Jean each made their way down the beach as they eagerly approached the crystal clear waters of the Emearld Coast and once again became one with the sea. The public could really feel the commitment to marine life and conservation on the beach that day!
