Community Corner

Rescued Sea Turtle To Get Send Off in Hampton Bays

Happy will be sent off on Saturday at noon.

Happy, a juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtle, who was rescued on Dec. 6, 2012 on a local beach in Sag Harbor after being cold-stunned is ready to head home. 

On Saturday at noon, the Riverhead Foundation will send Happy off on the Bay side at Ponquogue Bridge, in Hampton Bays. The public is invited.

The Riverhead Foundation said the rehabilitation and release of any Kemp's ridley sea turtle is especially gratifying when reminded of the species' current endangered status. 

The foundation reports that previously abundant Kemp ridley sea turtle populations are now critically low due to exploitation of nesting females and sites, as well as present threats from fisheries activity.

This summer, the foundation has released over 8 sea turtles that his rehabilitated since last winter, many of them are being tracked by the foundation. Those interested, can follow the turtles and seals that the foundation has released by clicking here.


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