ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue team took in 16 large, cold-stunned green sea turtles from Titusville.
Showing visible signs of stress on their shells and skin, the team’s goal is to stabilize and rehabilitate the turtles so they can be safely returned to their natural habitat once they are healthy and environmental conditions improve.
When water temperatures drop, sea turtles can become hypothermic, requiring immediate medical attention such as bloodwork and fluid therapy.
[WATCH: How to help cold-stunned sea turtles]
“Sea turtles are reptiles, so they really survive heavily on their environment’s temperature. So once it gets cold, they get cold. And they start floating on the ocean surface, or they’ll beach themselves,” said Elysa Tripp, zoological specialist at SeaWorld Orlando.
SeaWorld Orlando is collaborating with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to provide around-the-clock treatment for these turtles.
“Once we return them, it’s pretty bittersweet because it’s a success for us but also for them to have a second chance at life.”
For more than 60 years, SeaWorld’s rescue teams have cared for over 41,000 animals in distress, including those that are sick, injured, or orphaned. A portion of the park proceeds goes toward supporting its conservation commitments.