Franklin- Sea Turtle Release!

Franklin- Sea Turtle Release! For more info call us at (850) 984-5297 or send us an email at gspecimen@sprintmail.com   Panacea, January 26, 2023– Weather dropped to 19℉ in Panacea on December 22nd, 2022 and hands were going numb, and lips were turning blue. Since air has a smaller heat capacity than water, it is relatively easy to warm up when dry, but what if you were wet? Sea turtles can survive in cold water no less than 50℉, so Gulf Specimen Marine Lab and Aquarium (GSML) was quite busy last Christmas with baby cold-stunned sea turtles. Some of which you, the reader, may know of.  The 1st rescue was a 6.4 lbs. green sea turtle who was named Franklin- he was found bobbing in the waters off Alligator Point in Franklin County, FL. When Franklin was picked up and brought in by John Stewart, one of our GSML Americorp Members, he had a heart rate of 14 bpm and a body temperature of 44℉, which was bad. “It's a proud moment to see this animal back into its native habitat, and it is an honor that Gulf Specimen gets to be a part of its life,” said by Cypress Rudloe, GSML Managing Director. These words ring with truth as sea turtle populations are in continual decline; NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) is implementing a Sea Turtle Observer Requirement Act as of February 24, 2023, to enhance preventative measures of sea turtle harassment, bycatch, and intakes. Governmental acts such as these are part of the numerous cries since the green sea turtle was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1978. In the end, Franklin was let loose on January 26, 2023, weighing 7.9 lbs., feisty as ever, back into the same water in which he was found. Without looking back, he paddled 10ft down into the water and bobbed up for air 5 minutes later, seen 15 ft away. After another 5-7 minutes, his head poked out the water a 2nd time 60 ft away. He was undetectable after 10 minutes of release.  Good luck Franklin. We at GSML wish you the best of life. (:   View Our Complete Specimen List View Our Complete Descriptions   Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories l gspecimen@sprintmail.com l (850) 984-5297

Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories | 222 Clark Drive, PO Box 237 , Panacea, FL 32346