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Two Rehabilitated Loggerhead Turtles Return to Gulf at Inlet Beach
Hotdog and Donatello head home after successful recoveries.
Two loggerhead sea turtles returned to the Gulf on Thursday morning after successful rehabilitation, making their way back into the water as a crowd gathered at Inlet Beach Regional Access.
Hotdog and Donatello were both treated by the Gulfarium CARE Center after being accidentally hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Following weeks of veterinary care and rehabilitation, both turtles were cleared for release on August 6.
Hotdog, a 106-pound subadult loggerhead, arrived at the CARE Center after being accidentally hooked at the pier on July 4, which inspired his name. X-rays taken after his arrival revealed another hook in his stomach.
Veterinary staff sedated Hotdog and performed an endoscopic procedure to remove the fishing gear from his stomach. No additional hooks were found, and his bloodwork remained within normal limits throughout his rehabilitation.
After recovering and passing his swim evaluations, Hotdog was cleared to return to the Gulf.
Donatello, a 165-pound adult female loggerhead, was also admitted after being accidentally hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. She is a repeat patient of the CARE Center.
During her rehabilitation, Donatello received supportive treatment including fluids, vitamins, and iron. She responded well to the care and was deemed healthy and ready for release.
“Donatello’s return is a good reminder of how important it is for the public to be aware and report it if they accidentally hook a turtle while fishing,” said Sarah Kamen, Stranding Coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center.
“Whether it’s a turtle’s first time in our care or, like today, a repeat patient, every recovery is a team effort between our veterinary staff, animal care team, and the public who report these incidents.”
The release was held in partnership with the St. Joe Community Foundation, which supports the CARE Center’s sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation work. Several additional releases are scheduled to take place throughout Walton County this year.
Anyone who encounters a sea turtle that is injured, in distress, or deceased should report it immediately to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).
