The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Necropsy conducted on sea turtle found dead in Branford
MYSTIC » A necropsy was scheduled today for a sea turtle found in Branford and picked up by the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Clinic.
Mystic Aquarium spokeswoman Dale Wolbrink Friday said a necropsy on the turtle found this week in Branford was scheduled for 4 p.m. The animal’s remains were picked up by the Animal Rescue Clinic Thursday, a day after it was found by members of the Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club in Branford.
“We won’t necessarily always do a necropsy on an animal,” Wolbrink said. “It was determined that we should do that.”
Kenny Rentas said he was on a boat called the Kolohe with his older brother, Hadley, about a half-mile from Outer Island when he saw the turtle floating. Rentas and his brother were pulling in lobster traps when they encountered the floating reptile.
The animal had a crack on its shell, Rentas said. He said they pulled in the turtle only after realizing it was dead.
“Unfortunately, somebody had hit it with a boat, it looked like it,” Rentas said. “It’s a shame because they’re beautiful creatures. Somebody must have hit it.”
Wolbrink said Friday she didn’t have details about the animal’s size, which will be determined following the necropsy. Wolbrink said she likely would have more information Monday.
Mystic Aquarium works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to rescue marine animals along Connecticut’s and Rhode Island’s coastline, as well as Fishers Island in New York. Wolbrink said the Animal Rescue Clinic has an animal rescue hotline and can provide assistance when possible.
In June 2015, officers from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection examined a dolphin that was also brought in by Pine Orchard club members.