Gumbo Limbo in Boca Raton gets its permit back to treat and release sea turtles

Jasmine Fernández, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·4 min read

BOCA RATON — Almost one year into managing the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, the nonprofit Coastal Stewards has received a marine turtle permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to resume its rehabilitation and release activities.

Previously, the nonprofit, which focuses on conservation efforts and the study of marine life and coastal ecosystems, was known as the Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards. In April 2023, the Boca Raton City Council agreed to pass operation and management of the nature center’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Program to the group. Before then, the city had been in charge.

"This is wonderful news for the City of Boca Raton, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, The Coastal Stewards and our entire community," said John Holloway, the president and CEO of The Coastal Stewards. "We are thrilled that with the FWC permit in hand, our team can resume sea turtle rehabilitation and release activities at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center."

The new permit comes after internal turmoil a year ago when the primary veterinarian resigned and injured turtles were subsequently moved from the center to other facilities. Last spring, seven turtle patients were temporarily sent to the Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach, Zoo Miami and the Florida Oceanographic Society.

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Explore nature and local marine life this weekend at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.
Explore nature and local marine life this weekend at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.

The FWC permit was taken away because it was carried by an individual, rather than by the organization. The Coastal Stewards had to go through an extensive process to receive a new permit to continue turtle rehab. Now, with that permit re-issued, the center is once again in line for new patients.

What does having a Marine Turtle Permit mean to Gumbo Limbo Nature Center?

The marine turtle permit indicates that turtles needing rehabilitation will soon be back at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. To qualify for the permit, applicants have the appropriate knowledge and show that their proposed activity adds to the conservation of marine turtles, according to the FWC.

In January, the city and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center announced the return of one of the center's resident sea turtles. Morgan, a green sea turtle, was first brought to the center in 2014 after being rescued and had been temporarily relocated due to the transition of the rehabilitation program to The Coastal Stewards.

"Our team has high-level qualifications and extensive expertise," Holloway said. "It is our mission to rehabilitate and release sea turtles in need as we inspire others to care and support the stewardship and research of the coastal and marine life ecosystems that surround us."

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About The Coastal Stewards: How does the nonprofit help sea turtles?

The nonprofit was established in 1981 as The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center of South Palm Beach. The group is dedicated to the protection and study of marine life, with a mission to inspire people to support the stewardship and research of coastal and marine ecosystems.

Since taking over management of the nature center's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Program, the nonprofit has expanded its focus on the rescue, rehabilitation, research and release of sea turtles to aid dolphins, manatees and whales as well.

Also since then, the group has worked with the FWC and nature center to fulfill necessary requirements to receive its new permit and resume its sea turtle rehabilitation and release. These included facility upgrades at the center and hiring additional qualified employees, of which the group now has 16.

Cold-stunned sea turtles wait to be treated at Gumbo Limbo's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation facility in Boca Raton, Florida on December 14, 2020. Twenty sea turtles were flown here from the New England Aquarium to be rehabilitated.
Cold-stunned sea turtles wait to be treated at Gumbo Limbo's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation facility in Boca Raton, Florida on December 14, 2020. Twenty sea turtles were flown here from the New England Aquarium to be rehabilitated.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center: A grand opening in May

To celebrate the newly received Marine Turtle Permit, The Coastal Stewards will host a Grand Opening Splash and Open House for the Rehab Center from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, at the center, which is at 1801 N. Ocean Blvd. There, attendees will have a chance to meet The Coastal Stewards’ leadership team, includingDr. Shelby Loos, the director of marine life conservation, and see the center's new sea turtle patients.

"Sea turtles have long been synonymous with Gumbo Limbo Nature Center," said Leanne Welch, the center's manager. "We are excited for our visitors to once again have the opportunity to witness firsthand the threats faced by turtles and share in their hopeful journey of rehabilitation and release."

The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is open Monday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Sea turtle rehab and release will resume at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center