Two tagged turtles

Adam describes how a couple of recovering sea turtles at the New England Aquarium got tags in preparation for their release into the ocean:

... Both rear flippers are tagged. The area is cleaned with sterile scrubs in order to prevent any infection. This process is not painful for the turtle, and probably can best be described as the pinch you would feel if getting your ear pierced. We also numb the area with lidocaine prior to application, so there is little chance they will feel any discomfort. It is a very quick process, and the turtles are already back in their tanks swimming and don't even notice their new jewelry! ...

With photos.