Audubon Aquarium Rescue

What to Do

If You Find an Injured Marine Mammal or Sea Turtle

We live in a sportsman’s paradise, but sometimes aquatic animals need our help. If you encounter a sick, injured, or stranded marine mammal or sea turtle (live or dead):

Call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at (877) 942-5343

Be prepared to share:

The location with coordinates
A description of the situation
Pictures (if possible)
Your contact information

While you are waiting for Audubon Aquarium Rescue staff to arrive:

Do not touch or push the animal back into the water. This is for your safety and the safety of the animal.
Leave all entanglements that may be present on the animal.

^{Marine mammal activities conducted under a stranding agreement between Audubon Nature Institute and NMFS under the MMPA.}^{Marine mammal rescue activities permitted under MMPA Permit No. 24359}

Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles in Louisiana

Louisiana waters are home to sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Green Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Eretmochelys imbricate

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

Lepidochelys kempii

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Caretta caretta

West-Indian Manatee

Trichechus manatus

Committed to Marine Life

Who We Are

Audubon Aquarium Rescue (AAR), coordinated by Audubon Nature Institute, is the primary stranding network for marine mammals (dolphins, whales, manatees) and sea turtles in the State of Louisiana. Marine mammals and sea turtles are sometimes found sick, injured, or dead along our beaches. They can also become entrapped or disoriented and unable to return to their natural habitat without assistance. These events are called strandings and require investigations by authorized stranding responders such as AAR.

AAR is authorized to rehabilitate sea turtles by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and marine mammals by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). AAR is the only entity in the state of Louisiana responsible for the rehabilitation of live marine mammals and sea turtles.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is committed to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals. The program also promotes ocean and coastal conservation and is an advocate for outreach and education within our community.

^{Marine mammal activities conducted under a stranding agreement between Audubon Nature Institute and NMFS under the MMPA.}^{Marine mammal rescue activities permitted under MMPA Permit No. 24359}

What to Do

If You Find an Injured Marine Mammal or Sea Turtle