Photo: Audubon’s Coastal Wildlife Network
Over a dozen endangered sea turtles were recently released back into the wild in Louisiana after spending months rehabilitating with theAudubon Nature Institute’s Coastal Wildlife Network (CWN) team.
Before releasing the turtles into the Gulf of Mexico, CWN made sure the water was at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
“This is the day we have all been waiting for,” Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon’s marine mammal and sea turtle stranding, rescue, and rehab coordinator, said in a statement. “All the days and nights over the last four months caring for these turtles have all been for this. Getting to return them to the wild is why we do what we do, and it’s the best feeling ever.”
Audubon’s Coastal Wildlife Network
The names of the 13 turtles released into the wild are Tucks, Rex, Zulu, Thoth, Endymion, Chaos, Themis, Muff-a-lotta, Stomper, Athena, Carrollton, Pandora, and Proteus.
According to the CWN, the rescued turtles were named after iconic Mardi Gras krewes and marching groups.
According to theWorld Wildlife Fund(WWF), nearly all sea turtle species are listed as endangered. Of the seven species, three are considered critically endangered.
source: people.com
