Rescue Has Saved 40 Sea Turtles Since Moving To Turtle Back Zoo

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It’s one of the favorite times of the year for the staff of the Essex County-based Sea Turtle Recovery: release season.

As the nonprofit bears down for its second year of rehabbing injured sea turtles since moving to West Orange, it took a look back on some success stories… dozens of them.

“Since opening a little over two years ago inside the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, Sea Turtle Recovery has rehabilitated and released 40 sea turtles back into the ocean,” the nonprofit announced Sunday.

Part of the process includes what the group says is becoming a summer tradition at the Jersey shore.

“Due to water temperatures and sea turtle migrations, Sea Turtle Recovery’s patients can only be released in New Jersey from June to September,” the nonprofit explains. “Outside of these months, [we] must travel to southern states to ensure their sea turtles’ success.”

In the past, the group has worked with species such as the endangered Kemp’s Ridley turtle, which is susceptible to becoming “cold-stunned,” a condition in which the sea turtle’s body systems begin to shut down if the animal failed to migrate before water temperatures became too chilly.

• See related article: 'Cold-Stunned' Sea Turtles Sheltered At N.J.'s Turtle Back Zoo
• See related article: Sea Turtle Saved By NJ Coast Guard Crew, Rescue Groups (WATCH)

To assist with their mission of returning sea turtles to their permanent homes, the West Orange-based STR has partnered with organizations like Jenkinson’s Aquarium, and found support with elected officials such as Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Stephen Reid.

“Every year, Point Pleasant Beach and Jenkinson's staff look forward to Sea Turtle Recovery's New Jersey releases,” Reid said. “Knowing that our community is able to provide a clean and safe ocean front and beach for this critically endangered sea turtle's return home is extremely fulfilling.”

• See related article: 4 Sea Turtles Released In Point Pleasant Beach (WATCH)

STR’s success is also inspiring environmentalists in Essex County, officials said.

“Having Sea Turtle Recovery at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers animals face in the wild and the importance of conservation,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said. “Watching the full circle as STR takes in critical sea turtles and then releases them healthy makes the zoo proud to partner with them.”

On Tuesday, July 30, STR will release their latest rehab patient, Vesper – a cold-stunned juvenile Kemp’s Ridley – at 7:30 a.m. near Water Street at Point Pleasant Beach. According to the nonprofit, the turtle was also diagnosed with an impaction of swallowed sand, a severe ear infection, and pneumonia, all of which are now cured.

Sea Turtle Recovery’s co-executive officer Bill Deerr said the public is welcome to catch a glimpse of the critically endangered species return to the ocean.

“However, as always, we ask that you respect our barriers as crowds can get large, and the sea turtle’s safety and a relaxed entry back into the ocean is our top priority,” Deerr said.

The organization is also planning to share video on their Facebook page of the release for those that wish to get a closer view. Check out some videos of previous releases below.

• See related article: 15 Endangered Sea Turtles Rescued After Car Crash

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