Carole I. shared her incredible sand story and experience of watching a rescued Sea Turtle be released back into the wild. Luna, a big, beautiful sea turtle was released back into the wild in August 2020! She was sent back to her home off of Clearwater Beach, FL. This was the first time my husband and I witnessed this special moment. We were on a beach getaway to one of our favorite resorts. The morning of Luna’s release we received a text from the hotel letting us know that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) would be releasing a 245lbs sea turtle named Luna and that we were welcomed to wish Luna a safe return! Naturally, we were curious about what was about to happen at the hotel beach!

Luna the Sea Turtle’s Rehab & Release Story

This majestic sea turtle was found washed ashore on St. Pete Beach in Pinellas County in April 2020. After 5 months the CMA rehabbed her back to health to be reunited with her world. What an incredible moment it was to watch one of God’s beautiful creatures work her way down the white sand beach and into the emerald-colored water of the Gulf of Mexico with hundreds of people cheering her on!
Later, I learned that Luna was the largest sea turtle the CMA rehabbed in 10 years!  I spoke with some of the volunteers and asked how they knew Luna was ready to be released. They said that not only did she gain the proper weight back (over 30 pounds!) but she went from being tired and lethargic to super sassy. It was time for her to go home! That literally was the coolest moment I ever had the chance to witness, so much so we collected some shells from that same beach to commemorate this unique moment!

Celebrating the Moment

Several months later I sent those shells to Dune Jewelry and had an ornament, a bracelet for my husband, and beautiful earrings made. Every time I wear my Sun Earrings (that I affectionately named them Luna!) I think about that August day in Clearwater Beach, and hope Luna is healthy and happy!

Learn more about Luna