Endangered Kemp's Ridley Turtle Pancake Returns to Ocean After Rehabilitation

On July 23, 2026, an endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle named Pancake was set free into the Atlantic Ocean following its rehabilitation. This turtle was discovered cold-stunned on November 22, 2025, at Duck Harbor Beach in Massachusetts. Initially treated at the New England Aquarium, Pancake was subsequently moved to the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society's facility located in Westhampton Beach, New York. At the time of its release, Pancake weighed 11 pounds and was equipped with a satellite transmitter for monitoring purposes. The event took place at the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium in Coney Island, where it was met with enthusiastic applause. Additionally, five other rehabilitated Kemp's ridley turtles were also released. The species continues to be endangered, with approximately 7,000–9,000 nesting females remaining.