of Turtles Fly Too . “ Turtles Fly Too provides affected rescue and rehabilitation agencies a rapid solution ; whether we transport one or 70 sea turtles , at a value of between $ 10- $ 35K per flight .”
Once with Audubon , each turtle was given a physical examination , fluids , antibiotics , and a swim test to determine their overall health and condition . In addition to cold-stunning , some of the turtles suffer from shell trauma and secondary effects from the cold-stunning , such as pneumonia . Unfortunately , of the 30 cold-stunned turtles sent to Audubon for rehabilitation , two were lost due to infection and pneumonia . Sadly , this is common among cold-stunned turtles .
Audubon staff created individualized treatment plans for each turtle and monitored them intensively . They identified the first krewe of turtles for release because of how well they recovered from their medical issues , and Audubon ’ s veterinary team gave each of them a final exit examination to ensure they were ready for release . The CWN team also had to ensure that the Gulf of Mexico ’ s water reached a minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit before release .
“ This is the day we have all been waiting for ,” said Audubon Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding and Rehab Coordinator Gabriella Harlamert . “ All the days and nights over the last 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 release of more turtles followed in late spring and then summer , including two — Muses and Chewbacchus — on Jul . 1 . Muses was one of the smallest turtles that came into rehab . Muses had severe pneumonia and sand in her intestinal tract as well as severe frostbite on her flipper tips , which required amputating parts of the front flippers . Chewbacchus was the most critical turtle upon intake with renal failure upon arrival , severe pneumonia , and a ruptured right eye . But thanks to the dedicated care of Audubon staff they are both doing swimmingly back in the wild ! Currently , only one member of the “ Krewe of Turtles ” remains in CWN ’ s care for further rehabilitation .
Wondering how you can help sea turtles here at home ? If you see a stranded sea turtle or marine mammal in the wild , alive or dead , call and report it to the CWN hotline at ( 504 ) 235- 3005 . In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating stranded animals whenever possible , the Audubon CWN team collects information from stranded animals that provides an important snapshot into the health of the marine environment and a better understanding of threats to marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild .
Many beaches along the Gulf Coast outside of Louisiana are also nesting habitats for sea turtles , some of which are federally protected . On your next Gulf Coast beach vacation , please be on the lookout for signs indicating a wildlife habitat and make sure to follow all posted guidelines to ensure these endangered animals can nest and hatch in peace .
6 Life Unleashed