Dea Champlin Holds Terrapin Hatchling for Release
The Turtle Journal team, in partnership with Mass Audubon’s Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, hosted a release of 14 rare diamondback terrapin hatchlings on Thursday afternoon, 19 September. These perfect babies were rescued by TJ’s Sue Wieber Nourse from a vulnerable nest dug by their momma in an Allens Pond overwash area on the night of 20 June (see Rare Turtle Babies Saved During Moonlight Rescue at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary). After incubating in the Turtle Journal’s rescue garden, eggs began to pip on September 10th and 14 hatchlings emerged on Lucky Friday the 13th (of September) 85 days later.
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Hatchling Release @ MAS Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
As folks gathered for the release, Sue Wieber Nourse was interviewed by EverythingWestport as she related the story of the hatchlings rescue and talked about the importance of conserving this threatened species of salt marsh turtles.
Fourteen Terrapin Hatchlings Ready for Release
Before releasing these hatchlings into the nursery salt marsh immediately abutting their natal nesting site, Sue Wieber Nourse, staff of Mass Audubon and Allens Pond, and MAS friends and volunteers gathered for a group photograph, each holding a baby for release.
Releasing Terrapins and Good-Bye Snapshots
People turned around and tucked their hatchling under the dense marsh vegetation. Then quickly, before these babies disappeared for the next three years of their lives to hide from a vast host of predators, everyone snapped a parting snapshot of their special hatchling. It doesn’t take too long to bond with these precious little cuties. Once again, diamondback terrapin hatchlings prove their vital role as ambassadors for wildlife and the conservation of coastal ecosystems.