SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Endangered sea turtles were recently rescued from the shores of Cape Cod and were transported to Springfield, Mo., for treatment.

A total of 12 loggerheads and eight Kemp’s ridley sea turtles will spend the next 12 to 16 weeks at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, receiving round-the-clock care in a 16,000-gallon recovery pool, according to a press release.

The Turtles Fly Too nonprofit transported the reptiles safely into the nurturing care of animal experts in Springfield.

This was the fifth group of sea turtles welcomed by Wonders of Wildlife.

“We never know how many turtles we’ll be asked to receive,” said Mike Daniel, director of animal care at Wonders of Wildlife.

“It’s definitely a labor of love and a rewarding experience when we’re able to release a group of healthy sea turtles back into their natural habitat.” 

When they are ready, the sea turtles will be released back into the ocean.

Sea turtles keep beaches healthy with nutrients obtained from discarded nests that help to prevent erosion.  

These reptiles play other pivotal roles by acting as seagrass gardeners to prevent overgrowth, according to the press release. They also are caretakers of coral reefs by eating sponges that could be detrimental to corals.

Sea turtles additionally transport dozens of species, including barnacles, crabs and algae, who ride on their backs to different parts of the world where they breed and thrive.

To keep track of the rescued sea turtles, visit the Wonders of Wildlife website.