Turtle team coordinator Dennis Murley with one of two green turtles returned to the Cape’s south side waters. (photo by Connie Merigo)
People who work hard to save threatened and endangered sea turtles won some well deserved recognition at West Dennis Beach this week.
That’s where the New England Aquarium released three turtles found cold-stunned on Cape Cod beaches last fall. The animals were hospitalized for 9 months at the Aquarium’s Animal Care Center in Quincy.
Michael, Skyler and Sage Lach with “their” Kemp’s (photo by Connie Merigo)
Wellfleet Bay volunteer Michael Lach, his son Skyler, and daughter Sage had the pleasure of releasing the Kemp’s ridley they rescued last November on a bayside beach in Brewster. Another one of our intrepid volunteers, Tony Pane, gave the enthusiastic crowd close up turtle views.
Tony Pane provides turtle close-ups (photo by Connie Merigo)
The three turtles have satellite tags on their shells for tracking purposes. As each slipped into Nantucket Sound, there were lots of people hoping the animals will head directly south and steer clear of the dangerous “hook” that is Cape Cod. In just three months, all the folks pictured below will be back at work trying to make the best of another turtle stranding season.
If you’re on the Cape in the late fall and would like to help search for cold-stunned turtles, contact Wellfleet Bay volunteer coordinator, Diane Silverstein at 508-349-2615, extension 101.
Turtle Troops: Covering all the bases from beach patrol to intensive care. (photo by Cynthia Gedraitis)