A rescued, endangered sea turtle got a second chance at life after it was released into the waters at Coney Island. Elton, a Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, was released after rehabilitation.

The turtle is an endangered species, which conservation groups say washed up on the shore of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, last year.

"Elton was cold-stunned. He got very sick. His body couldn't fight infections. It wasn't functioning normally," said Leigh Clayton, director of the New York Aquarium.

Experts explain that cold-stunning can be the result of a sea turtle not migrating before the water's temperatures turn too cold.

Multiple organizations, including the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, came to the rescue to help rehabilitate Elton.

On Wednesday, he was released into the waters at Coney Island behind the New York Aquarium.

"It is the 91st animal that we released at our facility from our facility since 2020," said Robert A. DiGiovanni Jr., founder and chief scientist at the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.

Environmental leaders said those over 90 success stories are because of support from the Environmental Protection Fund, which they add is at a record-breaking $425 million.

News 12 asked conservation groups what people can do at home to contribute to this work, Clayton said to vote.

"Support our elected officials that care about these issues, that is one of the most fundamental ways each of us as an individual can signal that these things are important to us."

Anyone who spots whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea turtles, can report those sightings to sightings@amseas.org.

A sick, injured or dead marine mammal should be reported to the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829.