Gulf Animal Update

The first sea turtle rescued from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill was a young endangered Kemp's ridley. The turtle was found about 35 miles from Venice, La., and was brought to Audubon Aquatic Center in New Orleans on May 18, 2010.

Audubon Nature Institute veterinarian Dr. Bob MacLean and veterinary resident Hugues Beaufrere took oil and blood samples before joining Michele Kelley, Louisiana's state marine mammal and sea turtle stranding coordinator, to bathe it.

  • Watch Video: Michele Kelley (of Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and state coordinator of the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program) and her team washed oil from the tiny turtle's shell.
  • View Pictures: Oiled sea turtle cleaning by Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program members