That's a big turtle!
On Wednesday, April 30, a tagged Kemp's Ridley turtle came ashore to lay 91 eggs. Rachel Blair, left, from the Padre Island National Seashore, removes the eggs, places them in a cooler (inset) as Animal Rehabilitation Keep patrolers Xavier Harrison, upper left, and Guy Davis, kneeling, assist in the procedure. The eggs will be incubated for 45 days after which the hatchlings will be returned to the sea. Davis, below, records the moment. The turtle was discovered when Ann Gibson of Campbell, Texas, reported the 'big turtle' coming ashore. Turtle sightings should be reported to Tony Amos at the ARK at (361) 749- 6793 or call ARK turtle patroler Lee Harrison at (361)332- 6361.

STAFF PHOTOS BY JUDY K. KRANTZ