More than 200 people gathered at Inlet Beach Regional Access on Aug. 6 to watch two rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles return to the Gulf.
Two Loggerhead Turtles Released
The Gulfarium CARE Center released two turtles during the event. The first was Hotdog, a 106-pound subadult loggerhead.
The second was Donatello, a 165-pound adult female loggerhead.
Both turtles had suffered injuries after becoming hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Hotdog arrived at the CARE Center after an accidental hook injury on July 4. Donatello was a repeat patient at the center.
Hundreds Gather at Inlet Beach
More than 200 people lined the beach ahead of the release. Families and visitors gathered to watch the turtles return to the Gulf.
Some attendees traveled specifically for the event. Beth Fowler of Georgia attended with her husband and said the release checked an event off her bucket list. Seven-year-old twins Addison and Emerson Sheffler and their younger sister Harper also attended their first sea turtle release.
Donatello Makes Her Way to the Gulf
Donatello briefly headed in the wrong direction after her release. Volunteers helped redirect her toward the water. She eventually made her way into the Gulf as the crowd cheered.
The release gave visitors a chance to watch two rehabilitated sea turtles return to their natural environment after receiving care at the Gulfarium CARE Center.
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