Endangered turtles rescued in Florida after freezing shock
- Twenty critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles were rescued after suffering from cold stunning in New England waters.
- The turtles were flown to the Florida Keys for rehabilitation, where they receive necessary medical care.
- This effort underscores the importance of collaborative rescue missions in wildlife conservation.
In the early days of December 2024, twenty critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles were brought to the Florida Keys after being 'cold-stunned' in the waters off New England. The turtles were found stranded in these cold conditions, which occur when they are exposed to water temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. This exposed them to the risk of serious health issues, including stopping their usual behaviors such as eating and swimming. The turtles were rescued by an organization that specializes in marine wildlife recovery and then flown into Florida Keys Marathon International Airport. Upon their arrival on a Thursday afternoon, they were transferred in specially designed banana boxes from a temporary holding facility at the New England Aquarium. This impressive rescue effort involved many different entities and volunteers, showcasing a collaborative approach to marine animal rehabilitation. Bette Zirkelbach, the manager of the Turtle Hospital, explained that these turtles will be warmed up in the Florida Keys before undergoing necessary medical examinations. Conditions like pneumonia and infections were anticipated due to their cold-stunned state, and the turtles' rehabilitation duration would depend on the outcomes of these tests. The Turtle Hospital is well-equipped to provide care, given the warm climate of the Keys, which complements the turtles' need for warmth and gradual recovery. The mission that brought these turtles to Florida was made possible through volunteer efforts of an organization called ‘Turtles Fly Too’. This group relies on pilots who generously donate their aircraft, fuel, and time to transport turtles to safer environments where they can recover. The mission was dedicated to Bonnie Freeman, a young girl who passed away from leukemia, emphasizing the combination of community support and awareness for wildlife conservation initiatives. As the turtles begin their rehabilitation journey, the focus will be on providing the best care and creating conditions that enable their eventual return to their natural habitat.