The Start of our Program:
GSML's sea turtle research and conservation program, began in 1964, and is the third oldest program in the United States. GSML was an early advocate of providing legal protection when sea turtles were still commercially harvested. After passage of the federal Endangered Species Act, GSML coordinated with state and federal agencies and became the regional sea turtle rehabilitation center. GSML directors Jack and Anne Rudloe published a cover story in National Geographic Magazine featuring the program.
Our Mission Today: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release
With every sea turtle call we receive, we prep our staff for whatever we may encounter, whether it be fibropapilloma tumors on a green sea turtle or red tide affected loggerheads and kemp's ridleys. We also see accidental turtle catches by local fishermen.
Kemp's ridley sea turtles are one of our most common rescue. We personally see more of this endangered species than any other sea turtle program.
The Sea Turtle Fund
š¢ Help Us Save Sea Turtles: Support the Sea Turtle Fund at Gulf Specimen Marine Lab š¢
Every year, the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab dedicates time, resources, and heart to rescuing, rehabilitating, andāwhen possibleāreleasing endangered sea turtles along Floridaās coastline. These incredible creatures, like our beloved resident Lil Herc, often arrive in critical condition: injured by boats, entangled in fishing gear, or suffering from cold stun or disease.
Our Sea Turtle Fund ensures that these animals get the medical care, nutrition, and long-term support they need to survive and thrive.
š Your Donation Makes a Direct Impact
Even a small donation can make a life-saving difference. Here’s what your support provides:
$50 ā Covers a full dose of antibiotics and vitamins for a critically injured sea turtle, helping fight infection and rebuild strength.
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$100 ā Buys nutritious seafood and supplements for a recovering turtle for one week.
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$250 ā Funds diagnostic x-rays and lab work to identify internal injuries or infections in newly rescued turtles.
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$500+ ā Helps cover surgical supplies or transport costs to transfer a turtle to a specialty facility if needed.
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With ongoing threats from climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, sea turtle populations are struggling. Our mission is simple but urgent: give each rescued turtle a second chanceāand give these species a fighting chance to recover.
š Donation Tiers & Gifts of Gratitude
To show our appreciation, weāre offering the following thank-you gifts to our supporters:
š¢ Hatchling Tier ā $100
A Sea Turtle Sticker
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An Adoption Certificate for one of our rescued turtles
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š Juvenile Tier ā $250
Everything in Hatchling Tier
A Sea Turtle Magnet
Name Entered into Sea Turtle Name Raffle
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š Adult Tier ā $500+
Everything in Hatchling & Juvenile Tiers
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A Sea Turtle Water Bottle
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Recognition on our website as a Sea Turtle Sponsor
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š¢ Why It Matters
Every turtle we save is a victory for a species on the brink. Your support allows us to provide the best possible care, from emergency treatment to months of rehabilitation, andāwhen the time is rightāthe joy of watching a healed turtle return to the wild.
Whether you’re helping fund a dose of antibiotics or an entire month of food and care, youāre part of something bigger: the recovery of a species.
Help us continue our work. Donate to the Sea Turtle Fund today.
Thank you for believing in the power of rescue, rehab, and release.
With gratitude,
The Team at Gulf Specimen Marine Lab
Lil' Herc: Our Resident Loggerhead
Lil' Herc was kept at Marineland in St. Augustine for several years before moving to SeaWorld, eventually moving here to GSML in January of 2017. She has been in captivity for close to 20 years. She was struck by a boat, which blinded her, making her a permanent resident turtle utilized in teaching people about sea turtles and the impacts humans have on them.
We at Gulf Specimen are saddened to announce that our long-term resident loggerhead sea turtle, Lil Herc, is entering hospice care for a health condition that cannot be treated.
Recently, we noticed her appetite had decreased, and an X-ray showed something unusual needing further investigation. A follow-up CT scan uncovered that Lil Herc had developed a large bladder stone, a rare condition in sea turtles. As this condition is uncommon, our veterinary and animal care team have been closely monitoring her diet, her bloodwork, her energy, and her quality of life.
Further imaging revealed several kidney stones as well, raising serious concerns about how her kidneys might handle anesthesia that would be needed for surgery to address these issues. We ran a specialized test to assess her kidney function, and the results confirmed that Lil Herc was experiencing kidney failure and is not a candidate for surgery to remove the stones. We have been in contact with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff and have sought expertise from other sea turtle veterinarians to ensure we provide Lil Herc with the best possible care.
Despite our efforts to find a resolution for this diagnosis, our veterinary team made the difficult, but compassionate decision to provide hospice care to keep her as comfortable as possible for the remainder of her time. Lil Herc is now receiving daily pain medication, supportive herbs, and even acupuncture to help ease her discomfort and preserve her dignity.
For many years, Lil Herc has inspired Gulf Specimen visitors and staff alike, raising awareness about sea turtle conservation and ocean health. We remain committed to transparency and compassionate care for our animals. We encourage the public to visit and create lasting memories of Lil Herc during her remaining time.
Lil Herc is in the best hands, surrounded by a team that cherishes her. Thank you for being part of her story.
For those wishing to honor Lil Herc, please consider donating to the Gulf Specimen Sea Turtle Fund, which helps us provide care and treatment for our resident sea turtle, as well as those in need of rescue and rehabilitation.
We at Gulf Specimen are saddened to announce that our long-term resident loggerhead sea turtle, Lil Herc, is entering hospice care for a health condition that cannot be treated.
Recently, we noticed her appetite had decreased, and an X-ray showed something unusual needing further investigation. A follow-up CT scan uncovered that Lil Herc had developed a large bladder stone, a rare condition in sea turtles. As this condition is uncommon, our veterinary and animal care team have been closely monitoring her diet, her bloodwork, her energy, and her quality of life.
Further imaging revealed several kidney stones as well, raising serious concerns about how her kidneys might handle anesthesia that would be needed for surgery to address these issues. We ran a specialized test to assess her kidney function, and the results confirmed that Lil Herc was experiencing kidney failure and is not a candidate for surgery to remove the stones. We have been in contact with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff and have sought expertise from other sea turtle veterinarians to ensure we provide Lil Herc with the best possible care.
Despite our efforts to find a resolution for this diagnosis, our veterinary team made the difficult, but compassionate decision to provide hospice care to keep her as comfortable as possible for the remainder of her time. Lil Herc is now receiving daily pain medication, supportive herbs, and even acupuncture to help ease her discomfort and preserve her dignity.
For many years, Lil Herc has inspired Gulf Specimen visitors and staff alike, raising awareness about sea turtle conservation and ocean health. We remain committed to transparency and compassionate care for our animals. We encourage the public to visit and create lasting memories of Lil Herc during her remaining time.
Lil Herc is in the best hands, surrounded by a team that cherishes her. Thank you for being part of her story.
For those wishing to honor Lil Herc, please consider donating to the Gulf Specimen Sea Turtle Fund, which helps us provide care and treatment for our resident sea turtle, as well as those in need of rescue and rehabilitation.
