27 July 2026



Greetings!

Look who's ready to go back to his ocean home! On Wednesday, July 29, we will release eight beautiful sea turtles back to the wild. You are invited to join us - in person or online - to cheer on Zucchini Bread (pictured here) and friends.

WHO? Green turtles Chokecherry, Paczki, Puff Puff; Kemp's ridley turtle Honeycomb (pictured right); Loggerhead turtles Donut, Hot Cross Buns, Sponge Cake, and Zucchini Bread

(* Please note this list may change; our veterinarian is still reviewing records. *)

WHAT? Sea Turtle Release!

WHEN? Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10:30 am

WHERE? Jeffries (NTB Beach Accesses 33, 34, 35), 232 New River Inlet Road, North Topsail Beach

WHY? Because these sea turtles are fully rehabilitated and ready to return to their ocean home!

PLEASE BE ADVISED:

~ Paid parking is in effect. A limited number of public parking spaces are available. Please carpool, ride your bike, or walk if possible. Please park only where allowed; police officers will be available to direct you. Thank you for your cooperation.

~ Please stay off the dunes! The dunes protect our beach for the benefit of turtles and people alike!

~ This release is open to the public. There is limited beach space. Please be patient and respectful! Our volunteers will create a perimeter for the turtles; kindly stay outside the perimeter. If you are close to the front, please sit so people behind you can see. Volunteers will be available to answer any questions you may have.

~ Please pick up all trash and dispose of it properly. Trash and Recycling bins are located nearby. Let's keep our beautiful beaches clean for turtles and people!

~ ~ If we are able to connect, the release will be broadcast live on Facebook or Instagram so you can watch (or re-watch) later. If we are unable to connect live, which sometimes happens at big releases, then we will post videos after the release.

About the Turtles:

GREENS

Chokecherry - juvenile green turtle that stranded 12/15/25 suffering from cold stunning. Rescued from Cape Lookout National Seashore by Cape Lookout Park Rangers.

Paczki (pictured left, upon admission) - juvenile green turtle that stranded 4/10/26 suffering from debilitated turtle syndrome. Rescued from Bald Head Island by Bald Head Island Conservancy.

Puff Puff - juvenile green turtle that stranded 4/4/26 suffering from debilitated turtle syndrome. Rescued from Sunset Beach by the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch.

KEMP'S RIDLEYS

Honeycomb - juvenile Kemp's ridley turtle that stranded 5/13/26 after having swallowed a hook. The turtle was also anemic and malnourished. Rescued from Surf City by KBSTC.

LOGGERHEADS

Donut - juvenile loggerhead turtle that stranded 5/21/26 after having been incidentally hooked in the flipper. The turtle was also malnourished. Rescued from Ocean Isle Beach by the Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization.

Hot Cross Buns - juvenile loggerhead turtle that stranded 4/5/26 suffering from debilitated turtle syndrome. Rescued from North Topsail Beach by KBSTC.

Sponge Cake - juvenile loggerhead turtle that stranded 4/1/26 suffering from debilitated turtle syndrome. Also rescued from North Topsail Beach by KBSTC.

Zucchini Bread - adult male loggerhead turtle that stranded 5/19/26 suffering from debilitated turtle syndrome. Rescued from Cape Lookout National Seashore by Cape Lookout Park Rangers.

These beautiful turtles and I hope to see you - in person or online - on Wednesday!

Best fishes and Flipper high fives,

Kathy Zagzebski

Executive Director

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center

This conservation work for protected sea turtles at KBSTC is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, ES Permit 26ST05.

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center

910-329-0222 | info@seaturtlehospital.org | www.seaturtlehospital.org