Hello! We’ll be live blogging the release of a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle this morning, with the festivities kicking off around 8:00 am. This sea turtle was severely injured by a boat prop. After almost a year of recovery at NOAA’s sea turtle barn in Galveston and receiving constant veterinary care from Houston Zoo’s, Dr. Joe Flanagan, a 20-year-old sea turtle is ready to be released to the ocean once again. She will be driven to a Galveston beach and allowed to walk down the beach to catch the first wave out to the Gulf. Stay tuned for up to the minute details and pictures of this event.
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08.46
Ok that looks like the end from here on the beach. We hope everyone has a fantastic day knowing that these two amazing animals are free in the wild again! Cheers
08.41
Dr. Joe saying a few words
08.40
We are finishing up here. Dr. Joe is giving us some great information about these turtles and how everyone can help.
08.39
And away!
08.37
08.36
08.35
So close!
08.32
Number 2 is on deck. Notice the damaged shell
08.28
Tracks from number 1 into the water
08.26
Getting prepped for number 2
08.23
Special surprise!! We have another turtle to release
08.22
In the water! Took a minute but so at home
08.19
Almost there
08.15
First one is getting ready!
08.12
We are here!!
08.01
The Kemp’s Ridley turtle’s nesting processions, called arribadas, make for especially high drama. During an arribada, females take over entire portions of beaches, lugging their big bodies through the sand with their flippers until they find a satisfying spot to lay their eggs.
07.52
We are on the way to the release site now!
07.44
“The Kemp’s ridley turtle is the world’s most endangered sea turtle, and with a worldwide female nesting population roughly estimated at just 1,000 individuals, its survival truly hangs in the balance.” -National Geographic
07.25
More great turtle facts while we prepare for the release.
Outside of nesting, the major habitat for Kemp’s ridleys is the nearshore and inshore waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico.
07.22
Why hello water!
07.14
Getting close!
06.59
Beautiful drive to the beach for a great reason
06.50
Ok, we are on the way down to Galveston to meet the group and get started on the release! It is such a gorgeous morning. Here is a little fact from http://www.fws.gov/northflorida/SeaTurtles/Turtle%20Factsheets/kemps-ridley-sea-turtle.htm
The Kemp’s ridley turtle is one of the smallest of the sea turtles, with adults reaching about 2 feet in length and weighing up to about 100 pounds.
