Turtles affected by oil spill released
COLLIER COUNTY: Even though oil has stopped flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, the cleanup continues. Some victims of the oil spill were given a second chance at life Tuesday, right off the coast of Collier County.
Some of the first victims of the Gulf oil spill were 42 Kemp's ridley turtles. Of those, 37 were found covered in oil and five were caught in skimmers.
Even without oil in the Gulf, the turtles have a rough time.
"Kemp's ridleys are the most endangered turtles we have here in the Gulf of Mexico, and they have an enormous challenge, only one in 1,000 will survive to adulthood," said Kevin Godsea.
To increase their chances, the rehabbed turtles were released near Turtle Key. The area is rich in food, safe from potential predators and free of oil.
"That's what's key and that's why we're bringing them here today," said Godsea.
It's the largest group of turtles released off Ten Thousand Islands.
By Karla Ray
"I think it's a wonderful thing. It's a wonderful thing for us and the state of Florida as well," said Godsea.
Their release is a sign of hope for every Gulf state as the cleanup continues.
"They symbolize what the oil spill did to the Gulf. They were completely oiled, but they slowly but surely brought them back to life," said Jorge Pina.
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