The turtles had fallen into the storm drains at a condominium complex in Beverly Beach.
Flagler Turtle Patrol in Flager County Florida were alerted to hatchling sea turtles who had fallen down into storm drains. The patrol, which works to ensure the safety of turtles in the county, contacted Flagler Fire Rescue, which sent a team out to help with the rescue of these baby turtles.
The turtles had fallen into the storm drains at a condominium complex in Beverly Beach, according to Flagler County Fire Rescue’s Facebook page. Batallion 40 and Jenn Jakush of the Turtle Patrol, located the storm drains, which were about six feet in depth. A crew with Engine 40 arrived and they worked to remove the storm drains and, with the help of gas masks and ladders, they rescued all five hatchlings.
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The hatchlings were transported to Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience where they were assessed and prepared for release back into the ocean tonight.
Leatherback Turtle Information
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle in the world and can grow to 1,400 pounds, though 800-1,000 pounds is more common. It is known for its leathery skin rather than a hard carapace like other turtles. They have been recorded diving more than 3,900 feet and feed primarily on jellyfish.