JUNO BEACH, Fla. — A group of 24 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles is currently being rehabilitated at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, after experiencing severe cold-stunning in the frigid waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This unfortunate event left them suffering from frostbite, pneumonia, and various abrasions.
The turtles arrived at the center on December 9, thanks to the nonprofit organization LightHawk, which aids in animal rescues. Each year, cold-stunned turtles migrate south along the Atlantic Coast and often find themselves trapped in the hooked peninsula of Cape Cod, where they encounter dropping temperatures that leave them hypothermic and emaciated.
Once these turtles wash ashore, they are rescued by volunteers and taken to facilities like the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for much-needed medical attention. Heather Barron, the center's chief science officer and veterinarian, explained that cold-stunning is a critical condition requiring antibiotics, fluids, and nebulization for recovery.
These turtles often arrive in a dire state, undergoing extensive treatment to stabilize their health, Barron mentioned. The turtles are expected to remain at the facility until spring, at which point they will be released back into the Atlantic Ocean.
Many of the turtles are named after themes, and in this instance, the team chose Greek mythology. Names include Pandora, Gaia, and Helios. The hope for these turtles is to regain their strength and make a safe return to their natural habitat.
As of mid-December, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center has treated numerous turtles affected by this year's cold-stunning phenomenon, with an impressive count of 472 rescued turtles during this critical period.
