On Thursday afternoon, the Mississippi Aquarium will be releasing seven Kemp’s ridley sea turtles into the Gulf of Mexico.
The endangered turtles are the last of a group of 25 that were transported from New England to Gulfport back in December. The turtles, who all suffered from pneumonia due to the frigid eastern waters, were initially rescued by the New England Aquarium and Marine Life Center.
“When we received the turtles, they had severe pneumonia,” DVM Mississippi Aquarium Vice President of Veterinary Care Alexa Delaune said. “But now, these turtles are once again healthy, and we will release them back into the Mississippi Sound…It was an honor to take care of these endangered species over the last few months.”
Thursday’s release will take place near Ken Combs Pier at Courthouse Road and U.S. Highway 90 around 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is the smallest and the most endangered species found in U.S. waters but the most common species found in Mississippi waters.
