It definitely looks like needleturn. Since it's just a quilt top, I would assume that's all it is. You can see the wrinkles in the fabric. It doesn't look stuffed. I think it was just that the turtles were sewn together & embroidered, and then attached to the background as units. I've made those flowers & that's always how they turn out. I assume it won't look quite as fluffy once it's quilted unless they use a technique like Trapunto or Boutis to maintain that look.
This is the beauty of needle turn, though. When you actually use the needle to turn the piece rather than using the freezer paper method, the fabric stretches a bit & you end up with a gap between the applique and background. It's a beautiful look that can't be replicated by any other method.