On August 6 in Walton County, Florida, onlookers watched two rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles, Hotdog and Donatello, make their way back into the Gulf.
Their return at Inlet Beach Regional Access followed separate rescues after accidental fishing-related injuries and treatment by the Gulfarium CARE Center, as reported by Mid Bay News.
What happened?
After being accidentally hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on July 4, Hotdog, a 106-pound young loggerhead, was brought to the Gulfarium CARE Center. Imaging later showed he also had another hook in his stomach, so veterinarians sedated him and used an endoscopic procedure to remove the gear.
Staff said Hotdog's bloodwork remained within normal limits during recovery, and after he passed swim evaluations, he was cleared for release.
Donatello is a 165-pound adult female loggerhead and a repeat patient. She was admitted after another accidental hooking at the same pier. She received fluids, vitamins, and iron as part of her care, and went on to fully recover, according to the outlet.
The August 6 release was supported by the St. Joe Community Foundation, which aids the center's rescue and rehabilitation work.
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People gathered along the shoreline to watch both turtles head back into the water, in what was a joyous event.
Why does it matter?
Accidental hookings can become life-threatening if swallowed gear causes internal injuries or if an animal is not reported quickly enough to receive care. And healthy marine ecosystems support recreation, tourism, and local identity, especially in places such as Florida's Gulf Coast.
The Gulfarium CARE Center is continuing its rescue and rehabilitation work, and several more sea turtle releases are scheduled throughout Walton County in 2026. But before the turtles are returned to the wild, the center will conduct medical imaging, endoscopic procedures, supportive treatment, and recovery monitoring.
As Sarah Kamen, Stranding Coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center, explained to the outlet, "Donatello's return is a good reminder of how important it is for the public to be aware and report it if they accidentally hook a turtle while fishing."
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