Three endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are set to be released back into the Mississippi Sound after receiving care at Mississippi Aquarium for over six months.
The turtles, which will be released in front of the Edgewater Mall in Biloxi at noon on Wednesday, were cold-stunned and flown to Mississippi in December 2022.
“Cold stunning in sea turtles happens when the water rapidly drops in temperature. The turtles then become debilitated and stranded,” Dr. Alexa Delaune, vice president of veterinary services and research at Mississippi Aquarium, said. “Common problems include pneumonia, bone infections, gastrointestinal disturbances, and frostbite. Mist’s infection was severe and required long-term and intensive treatment.”
Since the turtles’ arrival, animal care, facilities, and veterinary teams have been working for months to return all three animals to full health and into the wild.
So far, Mississippi Aquarium has released over 102 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles back into the ocean since opening in August 2020.
Mississippi Aquarium to celebrate release of 100th endangered sea turtle on Thursday
