Patients: Two to choose from!
Date: Jan. 21-26, 2024
Location: Saint Joseph Bay, Tyndall AFB
Circumstances: Cold-stunned
We currently have two sea turtles available for adoption from a cold-stunning event that occurred from January 21-26, 2025. Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) received 1,200 sea turtles during this event. The majority were warmed and released within a few days of stranding.
As reptiles, sea turtles’ body temperatures closely match the temperature of their environment. Sea turtles can become cold-stunned (or shocked) when the temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The turtles are each given an exam and then slowly warmed before they are released when the water temperatures are deemed safe. A few turtles remain in rehab when there are other medical issues or injuries that require further care or observation.
We wish to thank the many people who were involved in the search and rescue of these turtles: U.S. Geological Survey, Gulf County FWC Law Enforcement, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida Coastal Conservancy, Indian Pass Sea Turtle Patrol, Tyndall AFB Natural Resources, Eglin AFB, NOAA, USDA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and FWC biologists. We would also like to thank Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Windmark Beach HOA, Scallop Cove, Point South Marina and The Italian Kitchen for providing valuable resources to GWMI and the search and rescue teams.
Date: April 14, 2025
Location: Bay County, FL
Circumstances: Hooked/entangled
“King George” a sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle was accidentally hooked at the M.B. Miller County Pier in Panama City Beach, Florida by recreational fishermen.
The turtle was entangled with fishing gear around the left front flipper. Hooks were removed, including a large shark hook also embedded in the right front flipper, and braided fishing line that was embedded causing wounds and swelling were also removed. Some fishing line and a swivel were ingested but were unable to be recovered. Sea turtles often are able to pass foreign objects on their own during rehab so he/she will be closely monitored for signs of these passing. He/she is also being treated with antibiotics for the wound caused by the entanglement.
King George is a repeat patient at our rehab facility. He/she was hooked at the Russell-Fields City Pier on July 4, 2023, and again at the M.B. Miller County Pier on August 9, 2024, both times being released a few months later. Sea turtles are opportunistic feeders and unfortunately, King George has decided that our local piers provide easy food.
We want to thank the staff and fishermen at the M.B. Miller County Pier for their assistance with King George’s rescue.
Date: June 8, 2024
Location: Cape San Blas
Circumstances: Trauma
“Tilapia” the subadult loggerhead sea turtle was brought to Gulf World Marine Institute on World Ocean’s Day, Saturday, June 8, 2024. The sea turtle was found to be washing ashore on Cape San Blas with severe damage to both front flippers. There was also evidence of recent shark attack injuries that had already begun to heal. Tilapia is receiving wound treatment and has a great appetite enjoying capelin and herring fish.
We would like to thank USGS for responding and assisting with the transport of Tilapia to Gulf World Marine Institute.
