During our winter stay on the Coastal Bend of Texas,
two cold storms affected the sea turtles.
They cannot regulate their body temperature.
The Padre Island National Seashore is the
longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world.
Kemp Ridley Sea Turtles are protected at the park. Water
temperatures less than 50 degrees paralyze
the turtles and they must be rescued, treated and returned to gulf waters.
The largest turtle weighed in about 60 pounds.
Crowds waiting for the release event.
At the visitor's center, children learn about the turtles.
Between April and mid July, the female lays 50-130 eggs,
leaves the nest and does not return.
Park has nice facilities for picnics.
The release of about 209 to 248 turtles lasted for 2 hours.
About 400-500 visitors attended the release.
The volunteers transported turtles in plastic crates.
At least 40 vehicles lined up on the beach waiting their turn
to release the turtles rescued by volunteer groups.
Big media event included the three local TV stations and newspaper.
The star of the release.
As turtles got near the water their flippers started flapping.
The turtles eventually return to the bays and inlets of Laguna Madre.
Tracking chips are glued to their shells.
Some have been rescued three times this season.
What beautiful turtles. My, they are much bigger than I was expecting. I love the pictures of them flapping away as they approach the water. It looks like you had such a fun day!
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