Gulf World Marine Institute released Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle Penelope

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – On Wednesday, Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) released a rehabilitated Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle back into the Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf World Marine Institute staff released Penelope at Inlet Beach in Walton County.

According to a news release, Penelope was caught on a fishing hook at the Navarre Beach Pier on April 17. While rescuing her Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center stranding team members noticed an unusual growth on her side-eye. They transferred Penelope to Gulf World Marine Institute where staff diagnosed her with small tumors.

Veterinary staff said they determined the tumors were small enough to not present a concern to her well-being.

If you encounter a stranded, injured, sick, or dead sea turtle immediately contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922 or #FWC on your cell phone to report it.

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