Kemp Ridley Sea Turtles

We woke up extra early this morning to go and see 500 Kemp Ridley sea turtles be released on the National Seashore.  These sea turtles are the most endangered species of sea turtles, they’re the smallest sea turtle, and they are really cute.  We had to be there at 6:45 AM.  The sea turtles after hatching by instinct travel toward the rising sun.

O.K., so this isn’t a sea turtle, but the crabs were out this morning too. 

 

We have gone to these releases in the past, and there will be about 30-50 people watching—this morning however (and YEAH!) there were probably about 500 people watching the release.  We didn’t get as good of pictures as in times past, but that is o.k.  I am so glad more people are aware of these little guys, their future, and how important it is to help these turtles reach maturity . . . and multiply.

 

This is a picture a few years ago . . . when we were able to get a little closer:

An adult Kemp Ridley sea turtle will be about 25 inches long, and weigh about 100 lbs.  They will return to the same beach to lay their eggs.