Audubon Aquarium Rescue to Release Rehabilitated Turtles

26 sea turtles, mostly endangered Kemp's ridley, will be returned to the Gulf after treatment for cold-related illnesses.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans is preparing to release 26 sea turtles, including 24 endangered Kemp's ridley turtles, back into the Gulf of Mexico on Friday. The turtles were rescued in Massachusetts and flown to New Orleans for treatment and rehabilitation after becoming ill due to cold temperatures. Aquarium officials say the turtles received individualized care plans to help with a quick and safe recovery.

Why it matters

Sea turtle populations, especially the endangered Kemp's ridley, face numerous threats including habitat loss, pollution, and bycatch from commercial fishing. Rehabilitation and release programs like the one at Audubon Aquarium help support the recovery of these vulnerable species.

The details

The 26 turtles being released on Friday include 24 Kemp's ridley turtles and 2 green sea turtles. The Kemp's ridley turtles were originally rescued in Massachusetts before being flown to New Orleans for treatment at the Audubon Aquarium Rescue. The green sea turtles were found in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. All of the turtles received individualized care plans to help them recover from the illnesses they developed due to cold temperatures.

  • The turtles will be released on Friday, February 25, 2026 at 11 a.m.
  • Turtle strandings in Louisiana are most common between February and June.

The players

Audubon Aquarium Rescue

A wildlife rehabilitation program operated by the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana that specializes in the care and release of marine animals.

Kemp's ridley sea turtle

An endangered species of sea turtle found primarily in the Gulf of Mexico.

Green sea turtle

A species of sea turtle found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world.

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What’s next

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is still caring for other Kemp's ridley turtles, who will be released when they are deemed healthy enough.

The takeaway

Rehabilitation and release programs like the one at Audubon Aquarium play a crucial role in supporting the recovery of endangered sea turtle populations in the Gulf of Mexico region.