Marine Facilities Aid Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles

Cold-stunned sea turtles are receiving critical rehabilitation across multiple facilities following recent temperature drops. The Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center in North Carolina has cared for nearly 600 turtles, with 399 already released back into the wild. In Florida, a turtle named Harlow was successfully released after extensive treatment for severe barnacle infestation and health issues. Additionally, 16 endangered Kemp's ridley turtles from New England are recovering at the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans, with one recently eating for the first time in weeks. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also treating 12 cold-stunned Kemp's ridleys flown in from Massachusetts. The ongoing cold-stunning events highlight the vulnerability of these sea turtles during winter months.