June 27, 2011
Oceana Joins National Aquarium for Sea Turtle Release
Yesterday was an exciting day for 5 rehabilitated Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Last November, the endangered sea turtles were found stranded on the beaches of Massachusetts after having fallen victim to cold stunning, which is essentially sea turtle hypothermia.
They were immediately transported to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where they received medical attention at the Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP). After more than six months of rehabilitation, the sea turtles were finally deemed healthy enough to survive on their own.
MARP staff and members of the public gathered on the shore of Maryland’s Point Lookout State Park to bid farewell to the rehabbed turtles. Oceana was also there to help out, and campaign director Beth Lowell personally released Rudolph, one of the sea turtles re-entering the open ocean.
MARP attaches sensors to some marine animals prior to releasing them in order to gather crucial data regarding the creatures’ post-rehabilitation route, speed, and viability. You can even track Rudolph’s progress through MARP’s website.
Collaborating with the National Aquarium is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Oceana’s sea turtle protection efforts. Learn more about our sea turtle campaign and how you can help save sea turtles from extinction.