Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) received 17 cold-stunned green sea turtles who were found stranded in St. Augustine and the surrounding areas. LMC received the sea turtles from the Marine Science Center in Volusia County, Fla., on Friday, January 24, after northern Florida experienced record freezing temperatures. A dramatic drop in ocean temperatures across northern Florida caused the sea turtles to experience cold stunning that required antibiotics, fluids, and intravenous nutrition.
The turtles have been named after beverages, including Ginger Beer, Icee, and Kava. Most of these LMC hospital patients are expected to receive care for the next few weeks before being released.
Cold stunning is a condition that occurs when extremely cold temperatures cause sea turtles to become lethargic, lose mobility, and are unable to feed or swim, which require immediate medical attention. During rehabilitation, LMC’s hospital staff will monitor the turtles’ vitals, administer fluids to prevent dehydration, and provide nutritional support. While many of the sea turtles are stable, some are in more critical condition and may require additional treatment.
Community support is crucial for the survival of these animals and their habitats. To contribute to the care and treatment of sick and injured sea turtles, donate in person or online at marinelife.org/give, or adopt a sea turtle patient.