The New England Aquarium has successfully released six endangered sea turtles—four Kemp’s ridleys and two loggerheads—off West Dennis Beach in Nantucket Sound after completing months of intensive rehabilitation



The New England Aquarium has successfully released six endangered sea turtles—four Kemp’s ridleys and two loggerheads—off West Dennis Beach in Nantucket Sound after completing months of intensive rehabilitation

These turtles arrived during last fall’s cold-stunning season, suffering from hypothermia due to frigid Cape Cod Bay waters. Each was treated at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy for severe conditions including pneumonia, dehydration, bone infections, and trauma. After about seven months of dedicated medical care, Dr. Melissa Joblon, Director of Animal Health, confirmed that all are now healthy and ready for release.

This release marks the third of the season, following the return of 17 turtles in late June and seven more on July 10. In total, the Aquarium treated a staggering 518 cold-stunned sea turtles during the past season—with 12 still receiving care and expected to be released later this summer. Adam Kennedy, Director of Rescue and Rehabilitation, reflected on the effort: “As we complete our third release of the season, it’s a powerful reminder of the impact of this rescue and rehabilitation work”



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Cape Cod is a critical area for the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles, especially during the colder months.

Every fall, juvenile sea turtles become cold-stunned and wash ashore along the beaches of Cape Cod Bay.

Volunteers and marine biologists work tirelessly to collect these turtles and transport them to rehabilitation centers.

The New England Aquarium plays a key role in treating cold-stunned turtles found on Cape Cod.

Once stabilized, the turtles are cared for until they are healthy enough to be released back into the ocean.

Kemp’s ridley, loggerhead, and green sea turtles are the most commonly rescued species in the area.

Cold-stunning occurs when water temperatures drop suddenly, leaving turtles immobile and vulnerable.

Cape Cod's unique hook-shaped geography contributes to turtles becoming trapped in the bay.

Public education and conservation efforts have increased awareness of the sea turtles’ plight.

Each spring, healthy rehabilitated turtles are released into warmer waters to continue their migration.