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FLAGLER BEACH- After nearly two years of treatment, a rare Kemp’s Ridley
Atlantic Sea Turtle was released today at Gamble Rogers Memorial State
Recreation Area in Flagler Beach. The turtle, suffering from a severe bone
infection in both of its front flippers, several “finger” joints and injuries to
both “elbows,” was found stranded on November 30, 2003 in Eastham,
Massachusetts, with frostbite and erosion injuries from being tossed around on
the beach from cold, rough surf.
“We are honored to release this rehabilitated Kemp’s Ridley to the wild from
the shores of one of our State Parks,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike
Bullock. “The pristine waters of the Atlantic at Gamble Rogers are perfect for
this occasion, and I appreciate the Florida Aquarium’s biologist and Florida
State Park volunteer for helping with this occasion.”
The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle is an endangered species with only around 1,000
nesting females in the world. Kemp’s Ridley, the smallest species of sea turtle,
has been listed as endangered since December 2, 1970. Today, under strict
protection, the population appears to be in the earliest stages of recovery.
The Florida Aquarium recently celebrated its 10th anniversary as a non-profit
education and rehabilitation institution. The sea turtle rehabilitation program
started with the record breaking northeast winter in 1999 which left more than
300 cold-stunned turtles needing placement. The program, which has released more
than 30 turtles, has a full time vet staff which cares for Kemp’s Ridley,
loggerhead and green sea turtles.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Gamble
Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach is the namesake of
Florida folk singer Gamble Rogers and railroad entrepreneur Henry Flagler. The
beach is the park’s most popular feature, where visitors enjoy swimming,
sunbathing or beachcombing. Along the Intracoastal Waterway, picnic pavilions
provide a shady place to enjoy a meal, and a nature trail winds through a shady
coastal forest of scrub oaks and saw palmetto.
A finalist for the Gold Medal award honoring the Nation’s Best State Park
Service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with
159 parks spanning more than 720,000 acres and more than 100 miles of sandy
white beach. From swimming and diving in rivers and springs to birding and
fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks
offer year-round outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native
American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums
and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
To plan a visit or to volunteer at a Florida State Park, visit
www.floridastateparks.org.
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2012 State of Florida