Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Gopher tortoises, native to Florida, are critically endangered. Earlier this June, Clearwater Marine Aquarium's rescue team got the call about an injured gopher tortoise, who appeared to have puncture wounds to it's carapace. Our rehab team was able to treat these wounds, and after a couple of months in rehab, this gopher tortoise was successfully released this week! Now this tortoise can have a second chance at a longer life, burrowing in the natural environment, and hopefully contributing to the growth of the species in the future. This unique, full-circle moment inspires us to continue our mission of rescue, rehab, and release for any animal that needs it.
Donate and support CMA at HelpCMA.org!
© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
facebook.com/ClearwaterMarineAquarium
instagram.com/cmaquarium
twitter.com/CMAquarium
tiktok.com/@cmaquarium
cmaquarium.org
Gopher tortoises, native to Florida, are critically endangered. Earlier this June, Clearwater Marine Aquarium's rescue team got the call about an injured gopher tortoise, who appeared to have puncture wounds to it's carapace. Our rehab team was able to treat these wounds, and after a couple of months in rehab, this gopher tortoise was successfully released this week! Now this tortoise can have a second chance at a longer life, burrowing in the natural environment, and hopefully contributing to the growth of the species in the future. This unique, full-circle moment inspires us to continue our mission of rescue, rehab, and release for any animal that needs it.
Donate and support CMA at HelpCMA.org!
© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
facebook.com/ClearwaterMarineAquarium
instagram.com/cmaquarium
twitter.com/CMAquarium
tiktok.com/@cmaquarium
cmaquarium.org
