5 Endangered Northern Red Bellied Cooters Released

The National Marine Life Center released five endangered Northern Red Bellied Cooters today at Great Quittacas Pond in Middleborough, MA.  These five turtles were ones that had gone through the headstart program run by the state, and unfortunately were not big enough to be released with the rest of the headstart turtles on June 1st, 2009.  After two and half months at the National Marine Life Center they were ready to be released.  We currently still have one turtle(#198) from this batch still in rehabilitation, check back here for updates on him/her!  Please enjoy the pictures of the other five being released!  Thank you to all of the staff, volunteers and donors who have put countless hours into these little guys!

Education Intern Amanda gets ready to release one of the endangered Red Bellied Cooters
Education Intern Amanda gets ready to release one of the endangered Red Bellied Cooters
From left to right: Development Officer Julie with Cooter #197, Volunteer Lori Benson with Cooter #192, Education Intern Amanda with Cooter #204, Volunteer Juan Bacigalupi with Cooter #196 and Outreach and Retail Team Member Jackie Niles with Cooter #203!
From left to right: Development Officer Julie with Cooter #197, Volunteer Lori Benson with Cooter #192, Education Intern Amanda with Cooter #204, Volunteer Juan Bacigalupi with Cooter #196 and Outreach and Retail Team Member Jackie Niles with Cooter #203!
The cooters making a dash for their watery home!
The cooters making a dash for their watery home!
Goodbye and Good Luck!!!
Goodbye and Good Luck!!!