Sea turtles return to the Atlantic Ocean off Florida after being stunned by the cold
Eight green sea turtles were released back into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, nearly a month after an arctic blast brought a rare snowfall to northern Florida and left the aquatic reptiles suffering from a condition known as cold stunning.
A total of 17 sea turtles found stranded last month along Florida's northeastern Atlantic Coast were brought to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, north of West Palm Beach, for rehabilitation.
'There are so many turtles that were affected by that cold stunning event that happened several weeks ago," lead veterinarian Dr. Heather Barron said. "The cold really suppresses their immune system because they are reptiles, and their body temperature is taken from the surrounding temperature of the water.'
It snowed as far south as northern Florida, which is extremely rare, and the frigid temperatures reached South Florida. More than a dozen additional turtles have been brought to Loggerhead Marinelife Center since the initial group, and other turtle facilities around the state have reached capacity.
Veterinarians have been treating the turtles with antibiotics, fluids and intravenous nutrition. They all suffered from cold stunning, which causes sea turtles to lose mobility and become lethargic. Most of the turtles are expected to be released back into the ocean in a few weeks.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center expects to host over 15,000 people this upcoming weekend at its 20th Annual TurtleFest. The free event focuses on promoting ocean conservation through interactive educational exhibits and marine life.
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The Independent
18-02-2025
- The Independent
Sea turtles return to the Atlantic Ocean off Florida after being stunned by the cold
Eight green sea turtles were released back into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, nearly a month after an arctic blast brought a rare snowfall to northern Florida and left the aquatic reptiles suffering from a condition known as cold stunning. A total of 17 sea turtles found stranded last month along Florida's northeastern Atlantic Coast were brought to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, north of West Palm Beach, for rehabilitation. 'There are so many turtles that were affected by that cold stunning event that happened several weeks ago," lead veterinarian Dr. Heather Barron said. "The cold really suppresses their immune system because they are reptiles, and their body temperature is taken from the surrounding temperature of the water.' It snowed as far south as northern Florida, which is extremely rare, and the frigid temperatures reached South Florida. More than a dozen additional turtles have been brought to Loggerhead Marinelife Center since the initial group, and other turtle facilities around the state have reached capacity. Veterinarians have been treating the turtles with antibiotics, fluids and intravenous nutrition. They all suffered from cold stunning, which causes sea turtles to lose mobility and become lethargic. Most of the turtles are expected to be released back into the ocean in a few weeks. Loggerhead Marinelife Center expects to host over 15,000 people this upcoming weekend at its 20th Annual TurtleFest. The free event focuses on promoting ocean conservation through interactive educational exhibits and marine life.
The Guardian
29-01-2025
- The Guardian
Green sea turtles cold-stunned by Florida snow recover at marine center
An arctic blast that brought a rare snowfall to northern Florida last week left green sea turtles as far south as St Augustine suffering from a condition known as cold-stunning. Seventeen sea turtles that were found stranded along Florida's north-eastern Atlantic coast were brought to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, north of West Palm Beach, where they are rehabbing. 'When it's cold on land, it's also cold in the ocean. And that led to a number of turtles being beached or very debilitated and just floating in the water,' said Dr Heather Barron, the chief science officer and veterinarian at the center. The staff named the rescued turtles after beverages, and they painted their new names on the back of their shells. Veterinarians are treating them with antibiotics, fluids and intravenous nutrition. While it snowed as far south as northern Florida, which is extremely rare, the frigid temperatures reached south Florida. That meant cold-stunned turtles were also found along Palm Beach county's coastline. 'It is quite unusual for this to happen in Florida. Sea turtles do migrate, and typically they're migrating down to Florida for this time of year because of warmer water,' Barron said. By Wednesday morning, Espresso, Pickle Juice and Ginger Beer were basking in the sunshine in the center's 'Party Tank'. The turtles arrived in Juno Beach on Friday from the Marine Science Center in Volusia county, Florida. They all suffered from cold-stunning, which causes sea turtles to lose mobility and become lethargic. Most of the 17 turtles are expected to be released back into the ocean in a few weeks. Last year, turtles from Massachusetts were brought to Florida to rehab while suffering from cold-stunning.
The Independent
29-01-2025
- The Independent
Cold-stunned green sea turtles are recovering at a Florida marine life center
An arctic blast that brought a rare snowfall to northern Florida last week left green sea turtles as far south as St. Augustine suffering from a condition known as cold stunning. Seventeen sea turtles that were found stranded along Florida's northeastern Atlantic Coast were brought to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, north of West Palm Beach, where they are rehabbing. 'When it's cold on land, it's also cold in the ocean. And that led to a number of turtles being beached or very debilitated and just floating in the water," said Dr. Heather Barron, the chief science officer and veterinarian at the center. The staff named named the rescued turtles after beverages, and they painted their new names on the back of their shells. Veterinarians are treating them with antibiotics, fluids and intravenous nutrition. While it snowed as far south as northern Florida, which is extremely rare, the frigid temperatures reached South Florida. That meant cold-stunned turtles were also found along Palm Beach County 's coastline. 'It is quite unusual for this to happen in Florida. Sea turtles do migrate, and typically they're migrating down to Florida for this time of year because of warmer water," Barron said. By Wednesday morning, Espresso, Pickle Juice and Ginger Beer were basking in the sunshine in the center's 'Party Tank.' The turtles arrived in Juno Beach on Friday from the Marine Science Center in Volusia County, Florida. They all suffered from cold stunning, which causes sea turtles to lose mobility and become lethargic. Most of the 17 turtles are expected to be released back into the ocean in a few weeks. Last year, turtles from Massachusetts were brought to Florida to rehab while suffering from cold stunning. _____ Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
