Turtle back at sea after ARK stay

Home at sea Perky, a Kemp's ridley sea turtle, is carried back to the Gulf of Mexico by ARK Director Tony Amos. The turtle, found entangled in plastic strands in October, was released at the Padre Island National Seashore this month. A satellite tag, visible in the photo at right, will allow researchers to track the turtle's movements.

After being a 'patient' at the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at The UT-Austin Marine Science Institute since October, Perky, a Kemp's ridley sea turtle, was released back into its natural habitat this month.

Tony Amos, ARK director, said Perky was found entangled in, and deeply cut by, the plastic strands of an old tarp.

The turtle was taken to the Padre Island National Seashore for release.

Before setting Perky free, workers epoxied a satellite tag to its shell. The tag should let researchers track the turtle over time.

COURTESY PHOTOS