Crowds gather in Ocean City for emotional rehabbed sea turtle release

Ocean City, Md. — The shore was vibrant this morning at 10 a.m. as the community came together to witness two endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles released after six months of rehabilitation.

Mayor Rick Meehan helped in the turtles journey back home.

“The turtles today were pretty cool. That’s the first time I’ve really assisted and helped to carry one of the turtles out right to the water’s edge. So today was particularly special,” Meehan said. “How many mayors are out on a beach today on a beautiful day, participating in events such as this, you know, releasing the turtles with all these people here? I think it’s just terrific. And I enjoy it immensely.”

Elise Maxwell, a local bartender, found one of the turtles behind her place of work.

“It was the second week in December, so I brought him in and tried to warm him up very slowly so he doesn’t go into shock. And then one of my other coworkers called DNR, who called the aquarium,” Maxwell said.

Caitlin Bovary, the rehabilitation manager at the National Aquarium, explained the extent of their injuries.

“Both of these turtles had really deep lacerations from boat strikes. And that’s a human impact. That is something that is really threatening to these species, between nets and plastic and interactions with boats,” Bovary said.

She shared that sea turtles are often released in the warmer waters of states farther south, making today’s swim extra special on the Maryland shore.

“To have that animal come full circle, make a full recovery despite all of the obstacles, and get to be released on a Maryland beach — it’s really special,” she said.

Bovary emphasized the impact of the local crowd.

“We all got into this field because we want to make a difference. We want people to care about our oceans and protecting endangered species. And to see just how many people care too is just really heartwarming,” she said. “It reminds us all why we do what we do every day.”