The Georgia Aquarium has recently welcomed 11 cold-stunned sea turtles, four of which are loggerheads, and seven of which are Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, to its off-site care facility for temporary housing. The turtles were rescued off the coast of New England after being found weak and inactive from exposure to cold temperatures.
Georgia Aquarium is part of a multi-institutional effort, along with other zoos, aquariums, and rescue organizations, to help sea turtles during cold-stunning events, with the support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The organization Turtles Fly Too, made up of pilots, also played a crucial role in the transport of the turtles to Georgia, as they donate their time, aircrafts, and resources to fly cold-stunned sea turtles to zoos and aquariums for treatment and care.
Upon arrival, the turtles received an initial exam by the Aquarium’s team of expert aquarists and veterinarians. Two of the loggerhead sea turtles also received CAT scans at BluePearl Pet Hospital, with their time and resources donated, to ensure there are no underlying issues. The Aquarium’s animal teams will continue to monitor the turtles and provide feedings and veterinary care until they are strong enough to be released back into the ocean.
The Georgia Aquarium is proud to provide a temporary home and critical care to these rescued sea turtles and will work with NOAA to determine when they can be released back into the ocean. Follow the Aquarium’s social channels for updates on these rescued turtles.
