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Leatherback Turtles Released at Mayport Beach

 Jonathan Feldmann  Christopher Kelley     Created: 8/1/2009 10:09:27 PM    Updated: 8/1/2009 10:39:02 PM
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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Some of the largest sea turtles alive are getting a new home right here on the first coast. Several baby leatherback turtles were released at Mayport Beach.

Naval Station Mayport Game Warden Arthur Burt helped with the release Saturday. He says leatherbacks are on the endangered species list and get to be about 1,200 to 1,600 pounds at full growth.

Burt says Duval County has not had a leatherback nest hatch in over 30-years. This year Duval County had about 5 nests hatch.

Wildlife officials say they still have about 11 loggerhead turtle nest that will be hatching over the next month.

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