Sea Turtles Released in Atlantic Ocean, Florida
- Nineteen sea turtles, rehabilitated after suffering from cold stunning, have been released back into the Atlantic Ocean.
- The turtles were released Wednesday afternoon near Jacksonville, Florida.
- The group included loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii).
Sea Turtles Recovered from cold Stunning Released into Atlantic Ocean
Table of Contents
Nineteen sea turtles, rehabilitated after suffering from cold stunning, have been released back into the Atlantic Ocean.
The turtles were released Wednesday afternoon near Jacksonville, Florida. The release was supported by the Johnny Morris Sea Turtle Center in Springfield and Turtles Fly Too, a non-profit organization.
The group included loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). They were initially rescued in December and transported from the New England Aquarium in Boston to Springfield, Missouri, for treatment.
Tragically, one seriously ill turtle did not survive. However,the remaining turtles received round-the-clock care to recover from the effects of cold stunning.
Cold stunning occurs when sea turtles are exposed to a rapid drop in water temperature.
Sea Turtles and Cold Stunning: A Comprehensive Q&A
What is Cold Stunning in Sea Turtles?
Cold stunning is a physiological crisis that occurs when sea turtles are exposed to a rapid drop in water temperature. This is not simply a case of a turtle feeling chilly. It’s a risky condition affecting their vital functions.
What Happens to Sea turtles During Cold Stunning?
When water temperatures plummet, a sea turtle’s metabolism slows down drastically. Other effects include:
Reduced Heart Rate: The turtle’s heart beats slower.
Sluggish Blood Flow: Blood circulation becomes impaired.
Impaired Function: This impairs the turtle’s ability to function normally.
How Are Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Treated?
Often, the primary treatment for cold-stunned sea turtles involves providing them with an opportunity to rest and raise their body temperatures. They are often transported to facilities for treatment because they may struggle to feed or swim in the cold.
What Types of Sea Turtles Are Affected?
This article highlights two species being affected by cold stunning:
Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta)
* Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)
The provided source article indicates that these turtles were transported from Boston to Springfield, Missouri for treatment.
Where Are Cold-Stunned turtles Typically Found?
Sea turtles by the coast are especially susceptible to cold stunning as water temperatures fluctuate more quickly in shallow areas.
Recent Events of Cold Stunning
Nineteen rehabilitated sea turtles were released back into the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville, Florida.
Summary of Key Information
| Feature | Description |
| ——————- | ———————————————————————————————————— |
| Condition | Cold Stunning (physiological crisis due to rapid drop in water temperature) |
| Affected Species | Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Kemp’s ridley turtles (lepidochelys kempii) |
| Treatment | Rest and raising body temperature; often requires transportation to treatment facilities. |
| Location of Release | Jacksonville, Florida |