Sea turtles swimming – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Gail Johnson
Green sea turtles as far south as St. Augustine are suffering from a condition called cold stunning as a result of an arctic blast that brought an unusual snowfall to northern Florida last week.
After being discovered stranded in the northeastern Atlantic Coast of Florida, seventeen sea turtles were sent to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, which is north of West Palm Beach, where they are undergoing rehabilitation.
“The ocean is cold when it’s cold on land.” And as a result, several turtles were beached or severely injured and left to float in the ocean,” stated Dr. Heather Barron, the center’s head veterinarian and science officer.
Following drinks, the team gave the rescued turtles new names, which they then painted on the back of their shells. They are being treated by veterinarians using intravenous feed, fluids, and antibiotics.
The cold temperatures reached South Florida, but it snowed as far south as northern Florida, which is very uncommon. This meant that the coastline of Palm Beach County also has cold-stunned turtles.
This is a very uncommon occurrence in Florida. Sea turtles do migrate, and because of the warmer water at this time of year, they usually go to Florida, according to Barron.
By Wednesday morning, Ginger Beer, Pickle Juice, and Espresso were enjoying the sunshine in the “Party Tank” at the center.
The turtles traveled from the Marine Science Center in Volusia County, Florida, to Juno Beach on Friday. All of them experienced cold stunning, a condition that makes sea turtles sluggish and immobile. In a few weeks, the majority of the 17 turtles should be returned to the ocean.
Turtles suffering from cold stunning were transported to Florida for rehabilitation last year from Massachusetts.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
