Loggerhead Found

[Misty]

Gulf World is now caring for a 105 pound Loggerhead Sea Turtle. It was discovered yesterday by beachgoers at Alys Beach in South Walton County. South Walton Sea Turtle watch volunteers, Valerie Lofton and Eric Schmidt rescued the sea turtle and brought it to Gulf World on Panama City Beach for rehabilitation. The sea turtle was lethargic, unable to dive and had symptoms of pneumonia. The animal, named Erica, was given antibiotics, fluids and vitamins. The turtle is showing signs of improvement, and will be released back into the Gulf when she is medically cleared.

 

[ASH]

I wonder what the water temp is like there right now. Seems a bit early. Glad they found her.

 

[Teresa]

Love this story and the fact that we are such a Sea Turtle loving community. Thanks to South Walton Turtle Watch volunteers and Gulf World Marine Institute for such dedication every day. And thanks to everyone who was out on the beach (near Alys Beach) on Tues, Apr 26 to help rescue Erica Loggerhead.

Erica at Gulf World Marine Park / Gulf World Marine Institute in PCB

Loggerhead Sea Turtle stranded near Alys Beach in Rehabilitation at Gulf World
Apr 27 | Gulf World

Gulf World is now caring for a 105 pound loggerhead sea turtle that stranded west of Alys Beach Tuesday, April 26th. South Walton Sea Turtle Watch volunteers, Valerie Lofton and Eric Schmidt rescued the sea turtle from shallow surf with the help of several beachgoers. They brought the turtle to Gulf World for rehabilitation. The sea turtle, Erica, was lethargic, unable to dive and had symptoms of pneumonia. Erica has been given antibiotics, fluids and vitamins. The animal is showing signs of improvement and will continue to be monitored by Gulf World staff. Once the sea turtle is medically cleared, the goal is to release it back into the Gulf of Mexico. A release date will be announced via press release and the Gulf World Marine Institute Facebook page.

Funds can be donated to the care of stranded animals like Erica by donating to Gulf World Marine Institute 501c3 non-profit at gulfworldmarineinstitute.org.

Gulf World will keep us posted on Erica's progress and hopefully announce a release date/time/place soon!

 

[Misty]

Thanks for the images Teresa it wouldn't let me copy the images from the news site I found the article on!!

Such awesome creatures.

 

[Teresa]

FYI, these are images by South Walton Turtle Watch from their Facebook page. The last one was sent to us by Gulf World.