10/24/2024
Gulf World Marine Institute - Another amazing RRR - Rescue, Rehab, Release!
These folks are amazing!
Copied from GWMI's page:
“Rumproast” the subadult loggerhead sea turtle was accidentally hooked by a fisherman on the Russell-Fields City Pier on August 29. With the help of Panama City Beach Turtle Watch and Beach Safety Division Lifeguards, the turtle was rescued and brought to GWMI for medical examination. A full medical assessment showed that “Rumproast” had 5 external hooks and 2 internal hooks in addition to a ball of metal line in his/her intestines! All of the external hooks were removed, and Rumproast was placed in water for observations. When it became clear that Rumproast was managing the water just fine, and still had an appetite, the staff fed out squid stuffed with cotton balls, which encourage internal hooks and line to pass safely through the turtle’s intestines. After a few days, staff and volunteers began finding and securing the internal gear that had been passed out into Rumproast’s habitat!
Gulf World Marine Institute is very grateful to those involved in the rescue and transport of Rumproast, including the fisherman, Russell-Fields Pier, PCB Lifeguards and PCB Turtle Watch! Rumproast has been medically cleared by veterinary staff and has been cleared for release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The public is invited to attend this event. Please keep in mind this event is subject to change based on weather conditions.
GWMI would like to thank everyone involved in the rescue of stranded sea turtles. If you see a stranded or deceased dolphin, whale or sea turtle, please immediately report to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1-888-404-3922 or on your cell phone.
Thank you,
