Sea Turtle Examinations on World Sea Turtle Day

Today is World Sea Turtle Day!

Taking care of an injured or sick sea turtle from the wild is a challenging task. Audubon Aquarium Rescue often spends months providing medical care and rehabilitating sea turtles with the goal of returning them to the Gulf. The smallest turtles currently in the care of Audubon Aquarium Rescue are the most critically endangered sea turtles in the world.

Earlier today, two young Kemps ridley sea turtles had physical exams to determine if they are healthy enough to return to the wild. These small turtles were part of a major “cold stunning” event in New England last fall. When turtles are exposed to frigid air and water temperatures, they become weak and unable to swim. After months of extensive treatment, 26 other turtles were successfully rehabilitated and released by the Audubon Rescue team; these are the last two Kemps ridley sea turtles that remain in Audubon’s care.

All the turtles from the most recent stunning event were named for constellations. These two are: Dorado (who came to New Orleans in December) and Libra (who arrived in January). In addition to their physical exams, each was given a “pit tag,” similar to a microchip in dogs, which will provide information in case they are found in the future.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue team members gave the turtles complete physical exams this morning, including bloodwork and x-rays. They are still young turtles, based on their size they are likely between three and five years old.

Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the smallest and most endangered of all sea turtle species. Audubon Aquarium Rescue is authorized to rehabilitate sea turtles by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and marine mammals by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only entity in the state of Louisiana responsible for the rehabilitation of live marine mammals and sea turtles.

If you see a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle (live or dead), report it to Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.