Audubon Aquarium Rescue is caring for four sea turtles that came into contact with oil in local waters.
The turtles include three green sea turtles and one juvenile Kemp’s ridley. They are being treated at the Audubon Aquatic Center on the West Bank.
When the turtles arrived, veterinarians gave each one a full physical exam and created individual treatment plans.
Gabriella Harlamert, stranding and rehab coordinator for Audubon Aquarium Rescue, said staff removed external oil from each turtle. The team is also watching for signs that the turtles may have swallowed oil.
“Our top priority is to get these animals healthy and released back into the Gulf as soon as possible,” Harlamert stated.
Green sea turtles and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles both live in Gulf waters off the Louisiana coast. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the smallest and most critically endangered sea turtle species.
Why it matters
Sea turtles are protected species, and quick reports from the public can help rescuers find injured or stranded animals before their condition gets worse.
Audubon Aquarium Rescue said February through June is peak turtle stranding season in Louisiana. The group covers more than 7,700 square miles of coastline, so public reports are important.
Anyone who sees a stranded or out-of-habitat marine mammal or sea turtle, alive or dead, should call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.
Audubon Aquarium Rescue says it is the only group in Louisiana responsible for rehabilitating live marine mammals and sea turtles.
READ MORE:Audubon Aquarium Rescue caring for 4 oiled sea turtles
