As a photographer and the owner of DeVine Portraits, a photo studio in Palm City, Florida, Suzanne Cosme has an eye for details. Recently, while on a solo sunrise photo shoot at House of Refuge beach, Cosme stopped short when she noticed a strange brown object wedged between the rocks.
Suzanne Cosme
“At first, I thought it was driftwood,” Cosme told The Dodo. “But as I got closer, I realized it was a sea turtle.”
Suzanne Cosme
The huge loggerhead was clearly stuck. She seemed tired and confused, unable to return to her home in the waves.
“My heart dropped,” Cosme said. “It was such a surreal and emotional moment.”
Cosme immediately called the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and told them about the turtle. She kept a safe distance from the animal as she waited for help.
About 40 minutes later, an institute officer and firefighters from Martin County Fire Rescue arrived. They slowly approached the 300-pound animal and assessed her condition. Then, using a special board, they carefully pulled her out from between the rocks and carried her closer to the water.
Suzanne Cosme
Thankfully, the turtle was still in great health. As soon as she sensed the ocean nearby, she began paddling back to sea.
“It was incredibly moving,” Cosme said. “I teared up watching her disappear into the waves. It felt like witnessing something sacred. That moment stayed with me.”
Cosme knows she will never forget this astonishing brush with wildlife.
“It reminded me just how interconnected we all are with nature — and how vital it is that we look out for the creatures we share this world with,” Cosme said. “I’ve always loved wildlife, but this experience deepened my respect and sense of responsibility.”
