Munchkin is the biggest loggerhead sea turtle to come through the New England Aquarium’s rehabilitation facility.
She was admitted in November 2018 with significant wounds along her right front flipper. She is missing portions of her right front flipper and left hind flipper, possibly from an entanglement. After nine months of rehabilitation at the Aquarium’s Quincy Animal Care Facility, she was released on July 2nd!
The ocean, and sea turtles like Munchkin, are facing accelerating threats like rapidly rising water temperatures from climate change, islands of floating plastic, and ocean industrialization. These pressing issues inspire all of us to educate and take action to influence global change.
Chapter 1: Meet Munchkin
At 330 pounds, she is the largest loggerhead sea turtle the New England Aquarium has ever rehabilitated! Get acquainted with this gentle giant as we take you through a day in the life of Munchkin.
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Chapter 2: Why Did She Strand?
Learn more about how Munchkin’s journey began. Visit the beach where she was rescued and hear from vets and volunteers about why turtles strand.
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Chapter 3: Prepping for the Wild
What goes into rehabilitating a tremendous turtle? A tremendous turtle rescue team! Take a tour of our rehab facility to see the efforts that go into prepping a turtle for the wild.
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Chapter 4: Munchkin’s Release!
After months of rehabilitation, Munchkin is finally well enough to return to the wild. Watch her make her way down the beach and back into the ocean.
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Chapter 5: Follow Munchkin
Her story doesn’t end here! Utilizing satellite tags, researchers track Munchkin on her continued journey through the open ocean.
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Track Munchkin!