Kemp's Ridley Hatchling Release

More tiny turtles!



We've had many Kemp's ridley nests in Gulf Islands National Seashore this year.



It's a rare occurrence as they nest primarily in Texas and Mexico.



Guess their range is expanding a bit!



As Kemp's will both nest and hatch during the day, we had a unique opportunity for a daytime release, on a Saturday morning no less!



The turtles and I had lots of support from Interpretive Rangers, head quarters staff, VIP Valerie Walker, and of course, little Zander.



We even had our very own Barrier Island Girl there to help us out. Unfortunately, I think she caught me on film a few times as well...



DJ released hatchlings and helped keep the sea gulls at bay.



With the help of beach visitors and the rest of the GUIS gang, all the tiny turtles made it safely to the sea.



It's so rare to see them swim from the beach -- usually we're watching them by moonlight alone.



Just look at this one fly through the water... It looks so refreshing!



It's sad, in a way, to see them go, but also incredibly hopeful.



Releasing them in a managed way, instead of allowing them to roam north in the dunes, ensured they all survived the first hurdles placed in their paths.



Maybe we'll see the ladies back on our beaches in a decade or two...



Aren't they adorable when they lift their tiny heads for a breath of air?