Yesterday was overcast and very humid. It was a perfect day to have a turtle release here on Mustang Island. There is an organization Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) here in Port Aransas, and their mission is to rescue wildlife and to rehabilitate the animals for release back into the wild. One of the major activities is the rescue of sea turtles. So when the turtles are well enough, they are once again set free. There was a total of fourteen turtles released, and I hope you enjoy the photos I took at the event.
This first photo will give you an idea of the number of people who show up for a turtle release. For most of these folks, this was the first time they had ever seen such a sight.
I am standing in the Gulf. The turtles will be released into the water after being carried down this aisle of visitors.
Here is the director of the ARK Tony Amos carrying an anxious turtle into the surf.
Hard to see but the turtle immediately headed for the open water.
Here is a large fellow who decided to walk to the water since he weighs over one hundred pounds.
Off he goes and hopefully won’t be caught in a fishing net again.
Here is a beautiful turtle who decided to come back to land. She had to go to the deeper water to get the idea. She finally said goodbye.
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That’s a great thing to be doing, John, and a nice thing to witness.
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The other duty of the ARK is to watch for egg laying (this is the time). The eggs are then gathered, hatched, and the young ones released. This activity has saved the loggerheads from becoming extinct.
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What a great view of the neighborhood, John. Such a fun post. I have to wonder that the turtles don’t get freaked out by all the people. Maybe their nature is that placid. But then who could tell if a turtle was upset…? Still, I love this post. Have a superb Sunday and mega hugs!
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The only think that freaks them out is when someone gets between them and the water. They tend to turn around and go back. The crowd is warned to give them plenty of space. Have a great day as well. Hugs
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Thanks for sharing this John. Learning a little more about life down there. The turtles are surprisingly cute little buggers.
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Yes. As the director says “don’t try to pat them.” Look cute, strong jaws.
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We don’t get turtles much this side of the Atlantic John, but we do have similar action groups who rescue injured or orphaned seals and also larger stranded sea mammals. They do such great work – I hope your event attracted a lot of publicity and donations! 😀
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Seal rescue is pretty important as well. The turtles tend to like warmer waters. A few years back there were over 100 turtles “cold stunned” which renders them pretty helpless. Thanks Jan.
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Very cool. How often does this happen?
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It depends on the number of rescues. In the past I would say three times a year.
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I could see why the last one wanted to come back to land… free food and friendly people.
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So true. Thant is a big body of water out there.
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That is so cool. Thanks for sharing it with us. I’m thinking your neighborhood is pretty cool.
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We have a lot of funny stuff going on almost every week. We have a SandFest (sand sculptures) coming up soon
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Sounds like a great place to live.
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It is.
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That’s wonderful, John. It must have felt good to be there. We lived on a lake when I was growing up and I rescued a baby turtle who hatched late. I kept him all winter and my dad released him into the lake the coming spring when it was warmer. He was a snapper. I guessed it was a “he”. He or she was full of spirit. He refused the canned turtle food. Mom finally tried raw hamburger. He “loved” that. Smart little guy. He would spit out the fat. We had to clean his bowl when he ate. We slanted the bowl so part was water and part dry. He thrived. Good pictures. I enjoyed reading the piece. 😀 — Suzanne
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Thanks for sharing the Snapper story Suzanne.
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Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful event with us, John. Great photos! I’ve always loved turtles. Happy Sunday!
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Happy Sunday Jill. Thanks.
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The ARK and Tony Amos do great work! I have never seen a release so thanks for sharing this one,
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Glad to be of service:-)
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Hi John, this is such a great topic and I enjoy your photo’s very much. Lucky turtles to be rescued in your neck of the woods. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thank you Bee.
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I just love this idea, John, and you’ve handled it so well! How cool that these creatures are being saved and set free again. Also, the color of the water reminds me soooo much of the Gulf waters in Gulfport — been far too long since I’ve seen them, too. Sigh.
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Aw. You need a road trip. ROAD TRIP!!!!
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I absolutely do — and a nice vacation along with it!!
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🙂
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This sure put a smile on my face – thanks for sharing, John!
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Thank you Teri.
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very cool pictures, John.
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Thanks Dale. 🙂
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Great. We have similar events on the east coast of North Florida. They mark the turtle nests here so joggers and others don’t trample them. It’s amazing how many there are.
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The nests here are marked while being laid but then the eggs are gathered.
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Awesome! Great photos, too…those are some happy turtles!
😀
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Yes. They have a second chance.
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Who doesn’t love a happy ending?
Thanks, John.
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These are very happy endings. Thanks
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We had a similar crowd when the whale beached himself in Galveston. Cool event, John.
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