MORNING NEWSBREAK | The South Carolina Aquarium on Monday released its 400th sea turtle, marking what the organization said was a milestone.
Jim, a juvenile green sea turtle named after an aquarium colleague who passed away last year, was joined by nine other sea turtles completing their journey home from Little Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville, Fla.
“Releasing each and every rehabilitated sea turtle is cause for celebration,” said Melissa Ranly, manager for the Sea Turtle Care Center. “But a milestone like this reminds us to reflect on those who helped us get to this point: The state agencies, supporters, sea turtle enthusiasts and more who believe in us and our mission to save sea turtles.”
Officials said the group of 10 turtles comprised the three most common species seen by the South Carolina Aquarium — green, Kemp’s ridley and loggerhead sea turtles — all of which are threatened or endangered.
Among the greens released Monday were Asiago, Jim, Waterloo, Burrata and Java, all of which were rescued along the S.C. coast with a variety of ailments from boat strikes to predator bites. Also released were Cheddar and Manchengo, two Kemp’s ridleys that were initially snarled on hooks and lines. The release culminated with the three juvenile loggerhead sea turtles: Monterey Jack, Romano and Fontina. The trio had been transported from the New England Aquarium after exposure to cold water temperatures in Cape Cod, Mass.
“There are so many emotions we experience with each sea turtle release: pride for their successful rehabilitation, adoration for the impact they had on us and hope for their journey that lies ahead,” Ranly added.
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