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Endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle rescued from Gulf oil spill is cared for in New Orleans

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NEW ORLEANS — Officials say the first sea turtle to be rescued from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is being cared for in New Orleans.

Audubon Aquarium spokeswoman Meghan Calhoun said the endangered Kemp’s Ridley turtle was found by a biologist looking for oiled animals in the slick. The turtle that is probably less than a year old arrived in New Orleans on Tuesday night.

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Calhoun said its shell is about 7 inches long and 6 1/2 inches across.

The turtle has been bathed from the inside of its mouth to the tips of its flippers and stubby tail, Calhoun said. It will have several more baths.

More than 150 dead sea turtles have washed ashore in several states since the spill began April 20. Officials say no oil was found on those turtles and their cause of death isn’t known.

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-- Associated Press

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