KURE BEACH — It’s a good day to be a turtle at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher as 12 of the aquarium’s rehabilitated turtles are scheduled to be released back into the wild.
“The five Kemp’s ridley and seven green sea turtles were originally injured in two separate cold-stunning events. The aquarium team has been caring for the Kemp’s ridleys since late November when they arrived from New England. The green sea turtles arrived in mid-December from the Cape Lookout area. The aquarium works with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and other partners to assist in the care of injured sea turtles,” according to a statement from the aquarium.
Sea turtles are in trouble globally so caring for turtles in need is something the aquarium does when needed —- despite not being a traditional sea turtle rehabilitation center.
“All sea turtle species are critically threatened or endangered globally and the care the aquarium and our partners provide has a positive impact on saving animals,” Aquarium Curator Julie Smith.
So what exactly is cold-stunning?
“Sea turtles are reptiles and cannot control their own body temperatures. Cold stunning can occur when water temperatures drop quickly to below 50 degrees. Cold-stunned turtles become lethargic, experience decreased circulation and heart rates, and may die. They are susceptible to respiratory illness, animal attacks, and bacterial and fungal infections. Serious cuts and abrasions may occur if the animal is washed ashore,” according to the release from the aquarium.
The turtles were cared for by the aquarium staff, fed a special diet, and got medical treatment when needed.
“The twelve sea turtles were assessed this past week by aquarium veterinarians and determined to be healthy enough for release. Each turtle has received a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag. These tiny radio transponders contain an internal microchip and help conservation scientists identify specific animals in the future,” according to the aquarium.
Despite being rehabbed, the turtles still have a journey ahead of them.
First, they will be transported to Morehead City. Then — they will catch a ride with the United States Coast Guard to warmer waters of the Gulf Stream where they will be released.
There are still a few turtles at the aquarium receiving treatment however, four more green sea turtles will continue their journey back to health at the aquarium and will be released in the future.
“Cold stunning can occur anywhere along the North Carolina coast. Anyone who finds a sick, injured or dead sea turtle should contact the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Sea Turtle Stranding Network at (252) 241-7367,” the release concludes.
