Massive sea turtle rehab, release a success

It started in still-frigid New England, hit half a dozen aquariums on the way, and ended up on the beaches of Jacksonville, Florida, carrying 52 cold-stunned sea turtles back to warmer climes after a period of rehabilitation at each aquarium. It was dubbed the Great Sea Turtle Trek. From the National Aquarium's WATERblog:

The #SeaTurtleTrek release was a great success! After leaving Baltimore last night and driving through the night, our team and staff from New England Aquarium made it to the beach in Florida with 52 endangered sea turtles. Upon their arrival in Jacksonville, health samples were taken from each turtle. Soon, it was time for the big beach release! The turtles were released by group in the following order: South Carolina Aquarium, Virginia Aquarium, Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, National Marine Life Center, University of New England, National Aquarium and finally, New England Aquarium!

Read the whole saga in reverse chronological order here! Photo: Chet, a Kemp’s ridley turtle at the National Aquarium, getting ready for his road trip.