JUNO BEACH, Florida, USA (AP) — Eight green sea turtles were returned to the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, almost a month following an arctic blast that resulted in unusual snowfall in northern Florida, causing the aquatic reptiles to experience a condition called cold stunning.
17 sea turtles that were discovered stranded last month along Florida’s northeastern Atlantic Coast were transported to the Loggerhead Marinelife Centre in Juno Beach, located 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.”
Snow fell as far south as northern Florida, an event that is very rare, and the cold temperatures extended to South Florida. Over a dozen more turtles have been brought to Loggerhead Marinelife Centre since the first group, and other turtle facilities across the state are now at capacity.
Veterinarians have been providing the turtles with antibiotics, fluids and intravenous feeding. All of them experienced cold stunning, leading sea turtles to lose their ability to move and become sluggish. The majority of the turtles are anticipated to be returned to the ocean in a few weeks.
Loggerhead Marinelife Centre anticipates welcoming more than 15,000 attendees this coming weekend for its 20th Annual TurtleFest. The complimentary event emphasises ocean preservation by featuring engaging educational displays and marine organisms.
