Loggerhead turtle rescued on May 7.  (Photo by Kristy Davies)

This 200 pound loggerhead turtle was found struggling in the Gulf of Mexico in Walton County.  The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge was called and our team of Deb Edwards and Stephanie Kadletz came to the rescue.  Fish and Wildlife were on hand to take them to the turtle.  They were able to bring it to shore and transport it to Gulf World in Panama City Beach where the turtle is resting comfortably.  We will keep you posted.  To learn more about the rescue, watch this video.

From U. S. Fish and Wildlife:  The loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, is a medium to large turtle. Adults are reddish-brown in color and are generally 31 to 45 inches (79 to 159 kg) in length with the record set at over 48 inches (over 122 cm). Loggerheads weigh 170 to 350 lbs. (77 to 159 kg) with a record of over 500 lbs. ( over 227 kg). Its powerful jaws allow the turtle to crush heavy-shelled clams, crustaceans, and encrusting animals. The flesh of the loggerhead is not esteemed for eating as with other sea turtles. However, gathering loggerhead eggs for use in packeries was once a major threat to the species. The major factors leading to their decline have been loss of eggs to human predators and mortality
due to fishing operations. Loggerheads nest in such diverse places such as Brazil, Japan, South Africa, and Australia. Loggerheads nest in the United States from Texas to as far north as Virginia. Ninety percent of all U.S. nesting is estimated to occur in Florida. Since
1999, up to approximately six loggerhead nests have been found on Texas beaches each year.

This month's Emerald Coast Magazine has the Wildlife Refuge on the cover.  Thank you Zandra Wolfgram for a great article that covers all the non-profit organizations that rescue wildlife in Northwest Florida. 

Meanwhile, we are overrun with orphaned and injured animals - from gopher tortoise to alligators to herons to loons - in addition to the baby possum, raccoons, rabbits and birds.  So please help if you can.  Meanwhile, check us out on Facebook and please "like" us. 

Bless all those folks who stop and take the time to rescue an injured animal.  We are doing our best to patch them up.  We could sure use some help.  If you can't give us time, we sure could use a donation.  If you can't give us a donation, we sure could use some goods and services.  Here's our WISH LIST.  Please look it over and see if you can help.

Herons, alligators, box turtles, gopher tortoises, rabbits - that is just a partial list of injured animals that have come through our door this week.  So please help if you can.

“Our mission is rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife into its native habitat,” said Amanda. “We can't pick and choose which species we will rescue." And so, every Spring we find ourselves with squirrels, squirrels, squirrels, a few dozen opossum, a smattering of raccoons and plenty of baby birds.  Did I say a smattering?  This week seems to be orphaned raccoon week at the Refuge.  They are everywhere. 

Like all babies, these wildlife young 'uns require around the clock care.  And so it is all hands on deck.  Staff and volunteers take on the job of feeding the babies every four hours.  Our resources and manpower are stretched to the max.

How can you help?  Hit this DONATE button or this VOLUNTEER button and help us make it through the season.  I wish you could see for yourself the incredible dedication of our staff and our volunteers.  They are simply the best there is to be found.  And while you are at it, please "like" us on FACEBOOK.

Going the extra mile for sick and injured wildlife is what the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is all about. With professional staff and dedicated volunteers, the Wildlife Refuge has treated 1,766 animals, 17 sea turtles and 14 marine mammals. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center also part of the Wildlife Refuge has handled over 17 dolphin strandings along the Emerald Coast. Both the Wildlife Refuge and the Stranding Center are first responders for any wildlife injured by the oil spill.

Here's what else we do:

• Animals that cannot be released back to the wild become ambassador animals for the Wildlife Refuge, helping to educate residents and visitors to the Emerald Coast.
  
•  We are dedicated to teaching habitat conservation and the importance of local wildlife.
•  The Wildlife Refuge works closely with local school districts to provide educational programs for the students of the Emerald Coast.