Endangered Kemp’s Ridley Turtles Released At West Dennis Beach

Emily Bauernfeind (New England Aquarium)

DENNIS – The New England Aquarium released six of the world’s most endangered sea turtles in Dennis Tuesday.

The 10 to 15 pound Kemp’s Ridleys were placed on the sand of West Dennis Beach about 50 feet from the water.

The turtles were found cold-stunned on Cape Cod beaches last year and have been undergoing rehab over the past several months.

Emily Bauernfeind (New England Aquarium)

They slowly pawed their way to the water’s edge and then disappeared into the surf.

Volunteers with the New England Aquarium and Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary took part in the effort.

About 300 turtles have been treated the Aquarium’s Quincy facility in recent months.

Most finished their recovery and rehab in 2-4 months and were flown or driven south for release.

However, the six turtles released this week were the most profoundly and chronically ill of the 2017 sea turtle stranding season.

The names given to them by Aquarium staff were Fuzzy Wuzzy, Peach, Artichoke, Midnight Blue, Copper and Antique Brass.

 

 

 

 

 

About CapeCod.com NewsCenter

The award-winning CapeCod.com NewsCenter provides the Cape Cod community with a constant, credible source for local news. We are on the job seven days a week.



CapeCod.com
737 West Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Contact Us | Advertise Terms of Use 
Employment and EEO | Privacy