Along with the best regional cuisine and beverages, guests can stroll through Audubobn Aquarium and Insectarium and take in the stunning views of the Mississippi River at night. Music from headliner Flow Tribe and strolling encounters with the Sirens of New Orleans will keep things lively throughout the evening. There will be a selection of Abita Beer on tap, and for the first time at Scales & Ales, Abita will have its new Upbeat vodka cocktails for guests to enjoy.

“Scales & Ales brings together an evening of great food, drinks, and Aquarium experiences in support of an important conservation mission. Through this special event, guests can enjoy all the Aquarium has to offer while making a meaningful contribution to the protection of sea turtles and marine mammals along the Louisiana coast,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue (AAR) is the primary stranding responder and only rehabilitation facility for marine mammals (dolphins, whales, manatees) and sea turtles in Louisiana. Since its formation, AAR has rescued, rehabilitated, and released hundreds of stranded animals back into their natural habitats.

Since inception, party-goers at Scales & Ales have helped raise more than $4 million for the Aquarium’s conservation and education programs, allowing Audubon to reach millions of guests and community members through education and outreach initiatives and protect animals in the wild.

Tickets for Scales & Ales are now on sale and can be purchased online at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/scales-ales. Audubon Aquarium will close at 2:00 p.m. November 6, 2026 to prepare for the event.

Please note: this is an adults-only (21+) event; babies and children will not be admitted. The event will occur rain or shine. Dress code is dressy casual attire.

There are six Kemp’s ridley sea turtles scheduled for release. They were part of a large cold stunning event last fall near Cape Cod, Massachusetts and were flown to Audubon Aquarium Rescue for extended treatment and rehabilitation.

Sea turtles are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, when water temperatures drop, sea turtles can become hypothermic or “cold-stunned.”  Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the smallest and most critically endangered species of sea turtle.

The Audubon Aquarium Rescue team is also releasing three green sea turtles that were receiving care following exposure to oil in Louisiana waters earlier this spring.

Both species of sea turtles are found in the Gulf. The Alabama location was selected to give the turtles a safe return to the Gulf.

“All of these turtles have recovered from dangerous situations. Each was evaluated by our veterinarians and received individualized medical treatment plans. Some of these turtles have been in our care since last fall and it is rewarding to see them healthy and returning to the Gulf,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding and Rehab Coordinator.

February through June is peak turtle stranding season in Louisiana. With more than 7,700 square miles of complex coastline for AAR to cover, public reporting is critical to helping find stranded animals. If you spot stranded or out-of-habitat marine mammals and sea turtles (live or dead) call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only authorized entity for marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response and rehabilitation in Louisiana and is dedicated to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals. AAR is committed to enhancing stranding response and collecting data of live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in Louisiana. The data collected from all stranded animals provides a snapshot into the health of the marine environment and provides a better understanding of threats to marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild.

The turtles, three green sea turtles and one juvenile Kemp’s ridley, are being cared for at the Audubon Aquatic Center on the West Bank. Upon arrival at the Audubon facility, they received complete physical examinations and veterinarians developed individual treatment plans for their care.

"Due to the circumstances of their stranding, these turtles are being closely observed during their rehabilitation. Each turtle has had external oil removed and we are monitoring for any signs of oil ingestion," said Gabriella Harlamert, Stranding and Rehab Coordinator for Audubon Aquarium Rescue. "Our top priority is to get these animals healthy and released back into the Gulf as soon as possible."

Both green sea turtles and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are residents of Gulf waters off the Louisiana coast. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the smallest and most critically endangered of all sea turtle species.

February through June is peak turtle stranding season in Louisiana. With more than 7,700 square miles of complex coastline for AAR to cover, public reporting is critical to helping find stranded animals. If you spot stranded or out-of-habitat marine mammals and sea turtles (live or dead) call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

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). AAR is the only entity in the state of Louisiana responsible for the rehabilitation of live marine mammals and sea turtles.

Sea turtles are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, when water temperatures drop, sea turtles can become hypothermic or “cold-stunned.” Twenty-seven of the turtles released today in the Gulf came from a large cold-stunning event last fall in Massachusetts and were sent to New Orleans for additional care while they recovered. Two other turtles released today were green sea turtles found suffering cold stunning near Port Fourchon.

Both species of sea turtles are found in the Gulf. The Mississippi location was selected for the turtle’s safety to avoid an oil spill off the Louisiana coast.

February through June is peak turtle stranding season in Louisiana. With more than 7,700 square miles of complex coastline for AAR to cover, public reporting is critical to helping find stranded animals. If you spot stranded or out-of-habitat marine mammals and sea turtles (live or dead) call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only authorized entity for marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response and rehabilitation in Louisiana and is dedicated to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals. AAR is committed to enhancing stranding response and collecting data of live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in Louisiana. The data collected from stranded animals provides a snapshot into the health of the marine environment and provides a better understanding of threats to marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild.

Sea turtles are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, when water temperatures drop, sea turtles can become hypothermic or “cold-stunned.” Turtles can appear lethargic, floating at the water’s surface, or stranded on shore. The two green sea turtles currently in AAR’s care came from Port Fourchon, LA. They have been nicknamed “Calvin” and “Martha” by the rescue team.

The first turtle – “Calvin” had buoyancy issues related to being cold-stunned and the second – “Martha” was found floating, stunned by the wintry weather. Members of the public immediately called the 24-hour AAR hotline, which led to a quick response by the Audubon team. Each turtle has received a full physical examination, and the AAR veterinarian has developed individual care plans to help them recover.

With the addition of “Calvin” and “Martha”, Audubon Aquarium Rescue has a total of 37 sea turtles in their care this year. Audubon received 35 cold stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles in November 2025 from Massachusetts. Both Kemp’s ridley and green sea turtles are commonly found in the Gulf. Once their recovery is complete and water temperatures are warmer, they will be returned to the Gulf.

“The public is truly the eyes and ears for Audubon Aquarium Rescue. We rely on the public to report cases of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles to the AAR hotline. Timely reporting means we can send our team quickly to recover animals in need of care,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehabilitation Coordinator.

February through June is peak turtle stranding season in Louisiana. With more than 7,700 square miles of complex coastline for AAR to cover, public reporting is critical to helping find stranded animals. If you spot stranded or out-of-habitat marine mammals and sea turtles (live or dead) call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only authorized entity for marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response and rehabilitation in Louisiana and is dedicated to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals. AAR is committed to enhancing stranding response and collecting data of live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in Louisiana. The data collected from stranded animals provides a snapshot into the health of the marine environment and provides a better understanding of threats to marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild. 

To make a donation to help support AAR’s work:  https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/support-aquarium-rescue

The turtles were found in New England suffering from exposure to frigid air and water causing them to wash ashore. Many were suffering from dehydration and pneumonia. They were initially treated and stabilized by New England Aquarium before being flown to New Orleans by a specially chartered plane from Greater Good Charities.

After arriving in New Orleans, the Audubon Aquarium Rescue team gave each turtle a complete physical and assessed their ability to swim. Some of the turtles had buoyancy problems keeping them from swimming as they should. Each turtle has an individualized care plan from the Aquarium team, addressing their specific issues as they continue their rehabilitation. The turtles will remain in Audubon’s care until spring when Gulf waters are warm enough for them to be released.

“Some of these turtles arrived in rough shape, they will need more extensive rehabilitation than others,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehab Coordinator. “We are monitoring each of them constantly and are hopeful all 35 of these turtles will heal and return to the Gulf in the spring.”

The Audubon Aquarium Rescue team has named the turtles for rocks and minerals. Naming the turtles with a theme helps identify when the animals arrive for care. Since it is so close to Christmas, the rescue team has created their own “naughty” and “nice” list for these turtles. This week “Jade” is on the nice list for starting to eat on their own after not eating for two weeks.  “Mica” is on the naughty list for refusing to eat and fighting when caregivers try to help. Other turtle names include – Opalite, Pebble, Aquamarine, Onyx, Quartz, and Coal. The remaining turtles will be named after the rescue team has time to identify each turtle’s personality and behavior. 

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). AAR 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.

The young Kemp’s ridleys, nicknamed Libra and Dorado, were found cold stunned in New England last winter and brought to New Orleans for extended treatment. These two Kemp’s are the final cold stunned turtles Audubon Aquarium Rescue was rehabbing. When turtles are exposed to cold temperatures, they can become weak and unable to swim. After recovering with Audubon, they became the 26^th and 27^th critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles Audubon Aquarium Rescue has released back into the Gulf this year.

Joining them was Francois, a male loggerhead turtle originally found floating upside down at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in Grand Chenier, Louisiana in 2023. He was underweight and extremely dehydrated when he was found. Fortunately, Audubon Aquarium Rescue stepped in to help. After many months of treatment team members said farewell to the massive turtle on the beach in Galveston. He weighed 227 pounds and had gained 45 pounds while he was in rehabilitation.

Texas was chosen in consultation with federal partners after documenting high vessel activity along the Louisiana coast. Kemp’s and loggerheads also call Texas waters home, making it an ideal secondary location for this release. Audubon partnered with the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research at Texas A&M Galveston to facilitate the release of these turtles.

“Protecting sea turtles and marine mammals takes tremendous cooperation along the coast. Our partners at the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research were instrumental in the release of these turtles helping us find the best time and location to send them back to the Gulf,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehabilitation Coordinator. “Watching these turtles swim into the Gulf waters is rewarding for everyone who helped get them to this point. Francois was with us for nearly two years and overcame tremendous health issues. Our entire team shared the excitement of watching him maneuver along the beach and into the Gulf for the first time in years.”

Coordinated by Audubon Nature Institute, Audubon Aquarium Rescue is NOAA Fisheries’ primary stranding network response partner for marine mammals and sea turtles in Louisiana. Committed to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals in Louisiana, Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only entity in the state responsible for the rehabilitation of live marine mammals and sea turtles. The information collected from stranded animals provides a snapshot into the health of the marine environment and provides a better understanding of threats to marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild.

If you spot stranded or out-of-habitat marine mammals and sea turtles (live or dead) call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

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.

When turtles are exposed to cold air and water, they suffer “cold stunning”. These turtles were found suffering from dehydration and injuries from getting caught in cold weather in Massachusetts. After initial rescue and treatment, volunteer pilots from Turtles Fly Too flew the turtles to Audubon Aquarium Rescue for extended care and recovery.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, members of the Audubon Aquarium Rescue team carefully took the endangered turtles to Grand Isle, and one-by-one returned them to their aquatic home. Thirteen other turtles from the cold stunning event remain in Audubon’s care, they will continue their recovery and will be released when they are healthy enough to return to the Gulf.

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). AAR 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.