Audubon’s Coastal Wildlife Network team released 28 rehabilitated sea turtles back into the wild along the Grand Isle shoreline.
The endangered turtles arrived at Audubon as part of a massive cold-stunning event along the New England coast in November 2020. CWN staff created individualized treatment plans for each turtle and have been monitoring their health progress. The team identified the first ‘krewe of turtles’ for release because of how well they recovered from their medical treatment.
"This is the day we have all been waiting for," said Audubon Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding, Rescue, and Rehab Coordinator Gabriella Harlamert. "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."
The turtles released were named: Tucks, Rex, Zulu, Thoth, Endymion, Chaos, Themis, Muff-a-lotta, Stomper, Athena, Carrollton, Pandora, and Proteus. In celebration of Carnival season, Audubon's rescued sea turtles were named after iconic Mardi Gras krewes and marching groups.
