52 sea turtles experiencing ‘cold stun’ in New England flown to rehab in Florida

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Fifty-two endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, which had fallen victim to a condition known as “cold stun” due to exposure to frigid New England waters, have been transported to rehabilitation facilities in Florida. The New England Aquarium in Massachusetts organized their transfer via a private plane.

Upon their arrival in Tampa on Tuesday, a total of 16 turtles were directed to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Simultaneously, other turtles were distributed among three other facilities: Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, and Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Jupiter.

The term “cold stun” refers to the state in which these turtles find themselves when subjected to prolonged exposure to icy water temperatures. As cold-blooded reptiles, sea turtles adapt to the temperature of their environment. However, in frigid conditions, their circulatory systems slow down, rendering them unable to swim or function properly.

The rehabilitation process for these turtles will take place at the aquarium, where interested visitors are welcome to observe their progress. Ultimately, the goal is to release these rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitat.

It’s worth noting that Florida has witnessed a remarkable increase in sea turtle nests this year. Preliminary state data indicates an astounding 133,840 loggerhead turtle nests, surpassing the previous record set in 2016. Similarly, green turtles have also seen a substantial increase, with an estimated 76,500 nests, breaking the prior record from 2017.

Notably, high sea turtle nest numbers have been reported in other southeastern states, including South Carolina, Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia, although not all have broken records like Florida. This surge in sea turtle nests underscores the importance of conservation efforts for these endangered species.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sea Turtle Rehabilitation

More about Sea Turtle Rehabilitation

• Endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles
• Cold Stun Condition in Sea Turtles
• Florida’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facilities
• Record Sea Turtle Nests in Florida
• Conservation Efforts for Sea Turtles