Saturday, December 14, 2013

Hunter Goes Home: Turtle Hospital release today

I read of a rehabilitated turtle release at Higgs Beach today.
It was a 10 minute walk from where I am, and even so I was behind schedule.

orange vehicle is the Turtle Ambulance
The Turtle Hospital Ambulance transporting Hunter the sea turtle passed me on the way. Yikes. I knew there was a half an hour between arrival and departure for the turtle so I hustled down there.

There's the turtle ambulance. I'm in the right place.
crowd up ahead
turtle must be in there somewhere
Hunter!
Hunter!
Finally I can see Hunter. He is big.
He was super active. I am sure he knew he was near the ocean.

He looks healthy and strong. Did not expect such soulful eyes.
I moved out of the way so others could get a photo and then saw the crowd moving toward the Atlantic Ocean and forming two lines.

I chose my spot and we all waited together in two lines down to the water's edge.
birds waiting

people milling

After a short time the Turtle Hospital people came out with two ropes with buoys and created an official path for Hunter.

We were instructed to stay off the path, especially at the water's edge. If the turtle saw people in his path he could get disoriented we were told.

I waited quietly enjoying the whole thing, every minute of it. VERY lucky to be here on this day.
waiting
still waiting
"Welcome Home Hunter" 








1 comment:

Joy Weese Moll (@joyweesemoll) said...

Cool! Thanks for sharing your experience!