A Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, affectionately nicknamed Pancake, was released back into the Atlantic Ocean off Coney Island on Tuesday, marking a triumphant return to its natural habitat after a near-fatal encounter with the cold. The endangered reptile had washed ashore on Cape Cod in November, suffering from severe hypothermia.
Pancake, estimated to be between 2 and 5 years old and weighing 11 pounds, was rescued and transported to the New England Aquarium for initial treatment. Due to the severity of its condition, which left the turtle paralyzed, it was subsequently moved to the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) in Westhampton Beach. There, Pancake joined 23 other Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, all of whom received names inspired by breakfast foods, for a comprehensive rehabilitation program supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society/New York Aquarium and other organizations.
During their months of care, the turtles were treated for hypothermia, regained their strength, and demonstrated their ability to hunt for food like shrimp and clams. The successful recovery and release of these animals are crucial for the survival of their species, which has been listed as endangered since 1970 due to factors including habitat loss, over-harvesting of eggs, and accidental bycatch in fishing gear. Current estimates suggest there are at most 9,000 nesting adult female Kemp's Ridleys globally.
To track Pancake's journey and gather data on its movements, AMSEAS scientists attached a $3,500 satellite tracking device to its shell. This device will transmit the turtle's location every time it surfaces for air for approximately six months before detaching. Kemp's Ridleys are known to migrate long distances, with some traveling as far north as Nova Scotia and as far south as Bermuda, though Pancake may also choose to remain in the waters off New York.
The release event, attended by local children who cheered Pancake on, served as a reminder of New York's role in wildlife conservation. "Having a release in New York City is such a beautiful way of reminding all New Yorkers that they are part of conserving wildlife," said Leigh Clayton, director of the New York Aquarium. "Individuals like Pancake live here in these waters or migrate through these waters. Our ocean is very much alive here in New York and everybody can help continue to make sure it stays alive, conserve what we have and rebuild things that we’ve lost." Pancake is the second Kemp's Ridley sea turtle to be released off Coney Island, following Elton's release last year. Since 2020, the AMSEAS Sea Turtle Care Facility has admitted 125 sea turtles.
