JUNO BEACH, Fla. (Flux Daily) — A new group of 24 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles has arrived at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, following their rescue from the frigid waters of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they were affected by extreme cold. The center is working diligently to rehabilitate these endangered turtles, which are battling frostbite, pneumonia, and abrasions.
The turtles were transported on December 9, thanks to a collaboration with the nonprofit organization LightHawk. Heather Barron, chief science officer and veterinarian at Loggerhead, has indicated that the turtles will remain at the facility until spring when they are expected to be released back into the Atlantic Ocean, initiating their journey back to New England.
This situation is a result of a phenomenon known as cold stunning, which affects cold-blooded turtles in extremely low temperatures, causing them to become lethargic and lose mobility. This year's migration has seen a significant number of turtles stranded along the shores due to a westerly wind event that began on November 7, with 472 hypothermic turtles treated to date.
As part of their rehabilitation, these turtles are receiving essential treatments, including antibiotics, fluids, and nebulization to help improve their lung function. In an effort to uplift spirits and create a sense of community, the staff has named the turtles after Greek mythology, featuring names such as Pandora, Gaia, and Helios.
Pam Bechtold Snyder, director of marketing and communications at the New England Aquarium added that sending these turtles to Florida helped alleviate the overcrowding at their facility. The center's staff collaborates with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service to provide the best recovery options for these vulnerable sea creatures, ensuring their survival and eventual return to the ocean.
The turtles were transported on December 9, thanks to a collaboration with the nonprofit organization LightHawk. Heather Barron, chief science officer and veterinarian at Loggerhead, has indicated that the turtles will remain at the facility until spring when they are expected to be released back into the Atlantic Ocean, initiating their journey back to New England.
This situation is a result of a phenomenon known as cold stunning, which affects cold-blooded turtles in extremely low temperatures, causing them to become lethargic and lose mobility. This year's migration has seen a significant number of turtles stranded along the shores due to a westerly wind event that began on November 7, with 472 hypothermic turtles treated to date.
As part of their rehabilitation, these turtles are receiving essential treatments, including antibiotics, fluids, and nebulization to help improve their lung function. In an effort to uplift spirits and create a sense of community, the staff has named the turtles after Greek mythology, featuring names such as Pandora, Gaia, and Helios.
Pam Bechtold Snyder, director of marketing and communications at the New England Aquarium added that sending these turtles to Florida helped alleviate the overcrowding at their facility. The center's staff collaborates with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service to provide the best recovery options for these vulnerable sea creatures, ensuring their survival and eventual return to the ocean.
