3 sea turtles rescued at the Jersey Shore flown to North Carolina
Image courtesy of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.
Three sea turtles that were rescued at the Jersey Shore were flown to North Carolina late last month.
According to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the loggerhead turtles flew to Beaufort, North Carolina, where they were picked up by various organizations.
In late August, an 140-pound sea turtle struck by a boat was rescued from the Oyster Creek in Forked River. Then in late September, a 270-pound sea turtle was rescued from the beach in Avalon.
The biggest turtle is currently undergoing rehabilitation, while the smaller one is at the North Carolina Aquarium. The smallest turtle, pictured above, was recently rescued from the Oyster Creek. It was deemed healthy and released into the ocean in North Carolina.
“It’s so very rare to see such large turtles come ashore alive,” a spokesperson for the Brigantine-based nonprofit organization wrote on Facebook.
The Brigantine Fire Department assisted the facility with moving the turtles on multiple occasions, the last coming on Oct. 30 when the firefighters, along with the Atlantic City International Airport Fire Department, helped load the loggerheads onto an airplane.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is grateful for the support of volunteers and financial contributors.
“Thanks to all our supporters who have given for care and feeding. Your help has given them a second chance at life. We certainly appreciate you all!” the organization said in a Facebook posting.
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