After months of recovery from cold shock, 19 sea turtles have been returned to the Atlantic Ocean off Jacksonville, Florida.
The loggerheads and Kemp’s ridleys were flown from the New England Aquarium in Boston to Missouri in December. They were cold-stunned, a perilous condition when ocean temperatures plummet too rapidly and turtles are too sluggish to swim, feed, or escape predators.
From Icy Waters to a Warm Welcome
The majority of cold-stunned turtles are treated in Florida rehab centers, but this group was shipped to the Johnny Morris Sea Turtle Center at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. The turtles were treated by veterinary staff for 13 weeks for pneumonia, dehydration, and hypothermia.
Unfortunately, one of the turtles was too ill to be saved, but the other 19 fully recovered.
“It was sunny and 72 degrees” when the turtles were released at Little Talbot Island State Park on Wednesday afternoon, according to staff at the rehab facility. The release was made possible in part by the nonprofit group Turtles Fly Too, which helps transport rescued turtles.
A Long Journey and a Second Chance
The turtles were initially flown from New England to Missouri and then transported by road to Florida, where they were released. Every turtle was fitted with a satellite tracking device so that conservation scientists can track their journey and survival in the sea.
More Turtles Affected by Cold Waters
Hundreds of sea turtles on the U.S. Atlantic coast have suffered from cold stunning in recent months, particularly when sudden temperature drops occurred in New England waters. The Missouri-based turtle center, which opened in 2020, has now treated a total of 64 sea turtles.
With spring approaching and ocean temperatures rising, the team is hopeful these turtles will safely rejoin their natural habitat and help scientists learn more about how to protect them in the future.
