Rehabilitated sea turtles to be released at St. George Island

Turtles were medically evaluated and show improvement

ST. GEORGE ISLAND, Fla. – Over 25 sea turtles will be released at St. George Island State Park on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Approximately one half of the 50 cold-stunned sea turtles Gulf World Marine Institute received from New England on Dec. 30, have been medically cleared.

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The turtles were flown by private plane from New England to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) where they were triaged overnight and then moved into individual pools at regulated temperatures.

The turtles were medically evaluated and officials report that they have improved quickly.

The remaining cold-stunned sea turtles are continuing to be treated for secondary illnesses and will be released soon.

Pumpkin, a Loggerhead sea turtle and Sage, a Kemps Ridley sea turtle have also been medically cleared to be released alongside the new first batch of cold-stunned New England sea turtles. They were both treated for pneumonia around Thanksgiving.

The public is invited to attend the release of the sea turtles, which will be held behind the main parking lot.