Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

On Friday July 13th Catch 22 was released after two years in rehabilitation at the National Marine Life Center recovering from a shell fungal infection. Catch’s new home is in Tremont Pond in West Wareham. The release event was attended by many of our dedicated volunteers who have spent countless hours careing for Catch. A special thanks goes out to Len & Paula Boutin, Lori & Tim Benson , and Wendy Wyman who have helped care for Catch from the beginning of his stay at NMLC. We would also like to thank Cat who allowed for the release to take place on her property. Cat has been documenting the small population of Red Bellied Cooter who live in Tremont Pond and promises to keep an eye out for Catch! Before being released Catch had his shell notched using a high speed dental drill so that if he ever shows up in rehabilitation again, or is caught by state researchers he will be identifiable. We documented the event with a few photos and a video so even those who were not able to attend could bear witness to this happy event. Thank you to everyone who followed Catch’s case we are so happy he was able to be returned to the wild. To learn more about Catch and our other patients at the National Marine Life Center please visit the animals section of our website.