Sea Turtle Release Event! Monday Aug 7 @ 10am Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Loggerheads Ellie and Lime are restored t…

Sea Turtle Release Event! Monday Aug 7 @ 10am Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Loggerheads Ellie and Lime are restored to health and ready to return to the Gulf of Mexico!… Gulfarium CARE Center ?????You’re invited to join us at 10am this Monday, August 7th at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for another turtle release! Ellie, a 109-pound subadult Loggerhead… was accidentally caught off of the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier on May 31st. Ellie had fishing line trailing behind her that a fisherman accidentally hooked onto. She was immediately brought into the CARE Center and was acting lethargic, so she received fluids and a vitamin C injection to help her start her recovery. The CARE staff also carefully monitored her weight and eating habits. After a two-month rehabilitation period, Ellie’s energy levels are back up and she’s even gained nine pounds! The CARE Center is thrilled to announce that she has been medically cleared for release. Lime (pictured), a 117-pound subadult Loggerhead was accidentally foul-hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on June 23rd. Lime had one large hook in his left front flipper which was easily removed, and radiographs revealed a large hook in his esophagus and body cavity. In his time at the CARE Center, Lime received squid with cotton balls and mineral oil in attempt to help him pass the hooks naturally. Though the internal hooks were never expelled, Lime has been eating well and shows good energy levels, and has been medically cleared by the CARE staff veterinarian for release. The release will start promptly at 10am on Monday and will last about 10 minutes. The parking at Topsail is limited and a tram ride is necessary to get down to the beach, so please plan accordingly. We hope to see you there!