Sea Turtle Release

On Saturday, October 11, 2003, at 10:00 AM, marine biolgoist working with the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation's Sea Turtle Rescue Program will release to the wild one endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle. The release site will be Road K on Dune Road, in Hampton Bays.

Scheduled for release will be a young kemp’s ridley sea turtle, which was rescued from the frigid waters of North Sea, Southampton on Thanksgiving Day 2002 by the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.  The young sea turtle was diagnosed as critically cold stunned and transferred to the Riverhead Foundation’s Hospital Facility located at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium in Riverhead New York.  Under the care of Dr. Robert Pisciotta of the North Fork Animal Hospital and Dr. Richard Hanusch of the Aquebogue Animal Hospital the sea turtle was treated for severe hypothermia.  Following nearly 11 months of rehabilitation the now 21 pound sea turtle has completely recovered and is ready for its release to the ocean waters off of Hampton Bays. 

Within a month’s time the waters surrounding Long Island will begin to decrease to temperatures which can be fatal for any sea turtles which have not migrated to warmer waters.  Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are listed as endangered and are federally protected.  The Riverhead Foundation will be hosting a series of workshops to train local residents to assist with its sea turtle cold stun beach patrol program.  The next workshop is scheduled for October 15, 2003 at 6:30 PM at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium.

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation is a not for profit organization dedicated to the operation of New York State’s only marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility.  The Riverhead Foundation has the sole designation of being the state’s only licensed facility.  Funding for the Sea Turtle Rescue Program is granted through private and corporate donations and sponsorships.  For information on contributions or to learn how to schedule an educational outreach program please call 631-369-9840 or visit the Foundation’s website at www.riverheadfoundation.org

Support for the care of animals rescued by the Riverhead Foundation rescue program is obtained through the Foundation’s Animal Adoption Program.

Please call to confirm release site and time   631-369-9840

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