Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program released two critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles, named Dutton and Argo, on Saturday marking the first-ever turtle release in Rhode Island. This special event took place at the Town of Westerly’s Wuskenau Beach in Rhode Island, coinciding with National Sandcastle Day, adding an extra layer of excitement and celebration.

In honor of this unique occasion, Mystic Aquarium partnered with the South County Tourism Council and renowned sand sculptor Greg Grady, Sr., created a sea turtle sand sculpture as a public art exhibit. This collaboration was to raise awareness of the important work being done by Mystic Aquarium while bringing art to the beach for visitors to enjoy. The sand sculpture not only celebrated the release of these sea turtles but also highlighted the importance of protecting our environment and wildlife.

Greg Grady, Sr., hailing from Hampton, NH, is a professional sand sculptor and the organizer of the Atlantis RIsing International Sand Sculpture Competition by South County Tourism Council. Known for initiating the first Solo Master Sand Sculpting event in New England, Grady's "build it and they will come" attitude continues to draw master sand sculptors from around the world. This turtle sculpture served as a sneak peek into the type of sand art that will be exhibited at Atlantis RIsing events in the future.

"Sand is not just a playground for humans; it's a vital part of the life cycle of Kemp's ridley sea turtles. These turtles depend on sandy beaches to lay their eggs, and without these critical nesting sites, their survival is at risk,” said Sarah Callan, Animal Rescue Program Manager at the Aquarium. Holding the release on National Sandcastle Day is a beautiful way to celebrate the importance of these habitats and inspire our community to protect and cherish our ocean planet. It's a reminder that every grain of sand counts in our conservation efforts."

These remarkable turtles were part of a group of 16 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles admitted to the Animal Rescue Program this past fall after being found cold-stunned on Cape Cod, MA. Transferred to Mystic Aquarium from the National Marine Life Center for rehabilitation, these turtles underwent a personalized treatment plan addressing their specific medical needs, including wounds, pneumonia, and malnourishment. After seven months of intensive care, Dutton and Argo were ready to return to their ocean home.

Kemp's ridley sea turtles face numerous threats in the wild, including entanglement, loss of nesting habitat, climate change, marine debris, and the harvesting of eggs. The conservation impact of releasing even a single sea turtle is significant, as each turtle has the potential to lay hundreds to thousands of eggs throughout its lifetime. By giving Dutton and Argo a second chance, Mystic Aquarium is contributing to the survival of this critically endangered species.

For more information about Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program, please visit: https://www.mysticaquarium.org/research-and-conservation/aquatic-animal-health/animal-rescue-program/