Earlier this October, Peanut the sea turtle was released back into the wild after his 4 month rehabilitation with Audubon’s Coastal Wildlife Network (CWN). Peanut was found off shore near Venice, Louisiana by a fisherman on May 30th. He was brought to the Audubon's Species Survival Center and was treated until he was strong enough to be released back into the Gulf of Mexico.
 
Peanut’s Rescue and Release
When Peanut was found by the fisherman, the sea turtle seemed to be sluggish and exhausted. The concerned fisherman then picked up the sea turtle and contacted the CWN. Upon Peanut’s arrival to the survival center, the animal care staff could see that the turtle appeared lethargic and was dehydrated.  Gabriella Vazquez, Audubon’s Coastal Wildlife Network Stranding Coordinator, said that for his first night Peanut was kept out of the water for observation and given fluids and antibiotics.
 
During his time in rehabilitation, Peanut grew stronger and larger and was finally well enough to be released back into the ocean. With the help of the US Coast Guard and the boat crew of the Razor Bill, the CWN was able to find an appropriate place for Peanut to be released. Because he’s only a juvenile sea turtle, they needed to find a spot near foraging grounds in the open ocean. There were able to find a spot with lots of seaweed for habitat and protection and a place where Peanut would be able to forage for food. He was then placed in a plastic crate and lowered off of the boat to be set free in the Gulf of Mexico.
 
The Coastal Wildlife Network
The CWN is Louisiana’s only organization that rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles and marine mammals. They’re coordinated by the Audubon Nature Institute and are the primary response partner for data collection of Louisiana’s animal populations along its coast and waterways. Not only that, but they also support researchers that work towards the conservation of marine species. Since 2010 the CWN has rescued over 200 sea turtles. This year they’ve had three successful releases, including their historic rescue and release of a juvenile dolphin.
 
Threats to Marine Life
All over the world marine creatures are affected by human actions, either directly or indirectly. For hundreds of years humans have threatened the Earth’s oceans through aggressive hunting, harmful fishing practices, increased shipping traffic, marine noise and pollution. In turn, many marine creatures are faced with problems such as habitat destruction, entanglement and near extinction.
 
It’s important to stand up for the protection of our oceans and all of its marine life. If you see a marine creature that’s entangled, injured, or lethargic, be sure to contact a marine mammal rescue organization or your local wildlife network. Rescue and rehabilitation programs not only help save hurt animals, but they also provide opportunities for data collection and research into the specific causes of injury. By better understanding the threats to marine creatures in a given area, action can be taken to improve our relationship with the Earth’s oceans and all of its marine life.