23 sea turtles go back home to sea

On Wednesday, June 3, 2009, 23 fully recovered sea turtles that were treated at Topsail Beach's Sea Turtle Hospital were released to back sea. Among the 23 headed home were one highly endangered Kemp's Ridley, 14 Greens and 8 Loggerheads, most of which weigh more than 150 pounds.

Their fans and nearly 300 school children greeted the turtles on their trek across the sand to the ocean. The Topsail Advertiser caught up with a few Dixon Elementary School fourth graders from Beth Howard's class who were anticipating the release of, whom else, Dixon, a Loggerhead.

"I'm pretty excited," said 10-year-old Joel Evens. " This is probably the best field trip ever!"

Turtle aficionado Zachary Briggs's interests in turtles stem further than the day's events. "I love turtles. I have a fresh water turtle named Speedy," explained Briggs. "He's six years old."

What appeared to be a larger crowd than releases past proves that The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is doing their part to "bring to the attention of the public their efforts to give these sick and injured turtles another chance at life."

Bon Voyage!