This past Tuesday marked a truly unforgettable release for one of the Sea Turtle Hospital's long-term patients, Fort George — and what a send-off it was! The hospital's animal care team and volunteers gathered on the beach in South Ponte Vedra with members of Fort George’s sponsor families and friends from Mickler’s Landing Turtle Patrol and Beaches Turtle Patrol to celebrate the special moment.
The second George touched the water, they took off into the blue like a rocket — not even pausing to say, “so long, and thanks for all the fish.” Thank you to everyone who supported George’s journey and joined on the beach to witness this beautiful milestone. Your care and compassion helped give this turtle a second chance at life in the wild.
Fort George first arrived at the Sea Turtle Hospital on January 5 during the mass cold stun event that impacted sea turtles along Northeast Florida. They originally stranded on Fort George Island and quickly became one of our sponsored patients, receiving love and support from an incredible community.
Interested in sharing one of these special moments? You can be among the first to know about patient releases by sponsoring the care of one of our sea turtle patients. Your support helps us provide lifesaving treatment — and gives you a front-row seat to some pretty unforgettable goodbyes.