Eight green sea turtles were released back into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, marking a positive step in their recovery after a challenging month. These turtles were among those affected by the rare arctic blast that brought snowfall to northern Florida, causing a condition known as cold stunning.
A total of 17 sea turtles were found stranded along Florida's northeastern Atlantic Coast last month. They were brought to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach for rehabilitation.
"There are so many turtles that were affected by that cold stunning event that happened several weeks ago," said Dr. Heather Barron, lead veterinarian at the center. "The cold really suppresses their immune system because they are reptiles, and their body temperature is taken from the surrounding temperature of the water."
The snowfall, which extended as far south as northern Florida, was accompanied by frigid temperatures that reached South Florida. This resulted in more than a dozen additional turtles being brought to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, adding to the already high number of patients. Other turtle facilities around the state also reached capacity.
Veterinarians at the center have been diligently treating the turtles with antibiotics, fluids, and intravenous nutrition. The turtles, all suffering from cold stunning which causes them to lose mobility and become lethargic, are expected to make a full recovery and be released back into the ocean within a few weeks.
Despite the challenges posed by the cold weather event, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center remains committed to its mission of ocean conservation. This upcoming weekend, the center will host its 20th Annual TurtleFest, a free event that aims to educate the public about the importance of protecting marine life. The event will feature interactive exhibits and presentations, offering a fun and engaging way for people of all ages to learn about the wonders of the ocean and the creatures that call it home.
18 Comments
Karamba
🌊💙 This event shows the importance of conservation efforts and the need to support organizations like the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Rotfront
🐢💚 So happy to see these turtles getting the help they need! Thank you to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for taking such good care of them.
Matzomaster
🌊💙 So glad to hear that these turtles will be back in their natural home soon. It's important that we protect our oceans and all the creatures that call them home.
Rotfront
👏👏👏 Thank you to everyone who has helped to care for these turtles. You are true heroes of the animal world!
Matzomaster
😠 This event could have been prevented if we took serious action against climate change. It's time to hold our leaders accountable!
ZmeeLove
🐢💚 This is a beautiful example of the resilience of nature. These turtles will overcome this challenge and thrive once again.
Africa
😔 So sad to see these beautiful creatures suffer. It's all our fault for messing up the planet.
Muchacho
🙏🙏🙏 Sending love and positive vibes to these amazing creatures. May they recover quickly and be released back into the ocean soon.
Mariposa
🤬 This is outrageous! Why doesn't Florida invest in protecting its sea turtles from these extreme weather events? This is just another example of humans destroying nature.
Michelangelo
👏👏👏Kudos to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for their incredible work during this difficult time. You are heroes!
Muchacho
👏👏👏 Thank you for sharing this inspiring story. It gives us hope for the future of our planet.
Mariposa
🙏🙏🙏 Sending prayers for the recovery of these precious turtles. We are all rooting for you!
Comandante
🐢💔 Breaks my heart to see these helpless turtles. We need to do better!
Mariposa
🐢💔 This is a heartbreaking example of how climate change is impacting our wildlife.
Africa
🙏🙏🙏 Sending love and light to these amazing creatures. May they find healing and strength.
Answer
🤬 This is a wake-up call. We need to change our ways and live in harmony with nature.
The Truth
😠 This is unacceptable! We need to stop destroying the environment and start protecting our precious wildlife.
Marishka
👏👏👏 Thank you to the dedicated staff at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for their tireless efforts. You are making a real difference in the lives of these turtles.