The Gulf Coast Marine Center (GCMC) released 28 cold-stunned Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles into the Gulf on Wednesday afternoon, marking its largest sea turtle release of the year.
The marine center had received 40 endangered turtles at the close of 2025. More than half have since been rehabilitated and returned to their natural habitat.
Twenty-seven of the turtles received care spanning several months, while one, affectionately named Hope, spent two years undergoing rehabilitation at the facility.
The release event marked the final stage of the turtles’ recovery, drawing a crowd of community members who gathered along the shoreline to cheer the animals’ return to the Gulf waters.
“It’s really important to witness these releases,” said sponsor and participant Sarah Whitfield, who released a turtle named Pebbles. “Seeing these creatures return to the ecosystem helps us appreciate the wildlife that shares our coast.”
Several families attended the event, hoping to establish a new tradition.
“We’ve been visiting the Gulf Coast Marine Center since our daughter was a baby,” said Emily Roberts, who attended with her husband Michael and their child. “We’re passionate about conservation, and being able to see these animals go back to the wild is a great experience for our family.”
For some, the day was particularly meaningful. Mark and Linda Evans watched with pride as their daughter Caroline, now a marine biology graduate, contributed to the release.
“When Caroline was just five, she helped with a sea turtle rescue,” Linda Evans recalled. “To see her continue that work as an adult is something truly special.”
Dr. Olivia Turner, vice president of veterinary services and research at GCMC, noted the emotional impact of the event for both staff and volunteers.
“I’ve spent many years working with sea turtles, and the process can start to feel routine,” Turner said. “But our volunteers make each release memorable. They remind us that working with these animals is a privilege, not everyone gets to do this.”
The GCMC encourages the public to learn more about its sea turtle rehabilitation efforts and opportunities to sponsor future releases by visiting its official website.
