TURTLES HEADING HOME!

A step-by-step account of concerted efforts underway to rescue the hundreds of rare sea turtles washed ashore around Cape Cod every winter.

Successfully reviving plate-size “Kemp’s ridley sea turtles” that have been stunned by unseasonably chill waters turns out to be a fussy, complicated process. The authors explain things in careful detail as they give readers a chance to meet many of the workers who search beaches, carefully transport stranded turtles to a wildlife rehabilitation lab for treatment, and then return the survivors to the shore. How rare is the Kemp’s ridley? Astonishingly, until recently there was but one nesting site in the world, and in 1985, fewer than 250 females laid eggs there. Thanks to efforts like the one documented here, that population has been steadily growing since then. The authors also include information on the animal’s life cycle; after finishing this work—and poring over the many bright color photos—concerned young eco-activists will come away agreeing with the wildlife biologist who dubs these turtles “charismatic.” Those eager to help will appreciate the backmatter, which offers guidance on combating climate change and helping sea turtles.

An inspiring success story for animal-rescue advocates.