Coastal Stewards Close Boca Raton Sea Turtle Rehab Center

The Coastal Stewards, a nonprofit dedicated to marine conservation, has announced the immediate closure of its Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center to the public at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton due to ongoing financial challenges and difficulty securing sustainable funding. While public access and the gift shop have closed, the 13 sea turtles currently under care will continue to receive veterinary treatment onsite and are being transferred to other licensed rehabilitation facilities in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The three resident sea turtles in outdoor tanks at Gumbo Limbo will remain on display for visitors. The City of Boca Raton stated that the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center itself remains fully open and active, continuing conservation and education efforts including sea turtle nesting and hatchling programs. The Coastal Stewards emphasized their renewed focus on marine conservation education and community outreach despite the closure. The city is also exploring partnerships with other nonprofits that might take over on-site sea turtle rehabilitation and determining the future use of the gift shop space.