A 14-pound green sea turtle named Asparagus is one of four rehabilitated turtles released to the Gulf of Mexico

in the past several days by the Gulfarium CARE Center. 

Asparagus came to the center in May after becoming inadvertently hooked off the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Rehabilitation care included the removal of the hook and line as well as treatment for several deep wounds. Another green sea turtle, a Kemp's ridley turtle, and a loggerhead were also released within the past four days, marking a joyous time for the CARE Center team.

"The most rewarding part is to see that the turtles are healthy again as we continue to contribute to sea turtle conservation," said Terra Throgmorton, Gulfarium CARE team member.

The Gulfarium CARE (Conserve, Act, Rehabilitate, Educate) Program is open to all species of sea turtles, each of which are classified as either threatened or endangered. Upon arriving at the Gulfarium turtles are evaluated by animal care and veterinary staff, and work begins for rehabilitation, recovery, or release. 

The Gulfarium CARE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is proud to act as a beacon for coastal conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. Donations are tax-deductible and can be mailed to Gulfarium CARE Foundation at 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 or dropped off at the Gulfarium gift shop any day of the week between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Fort Walton Beach, Fla - June 29, 2016