CMA Takes in Eight Sea Turtles Due to Cold Weather-Day 1

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The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) delivered eight sea turtles to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium this afternoon. They’re all suffering from “cold stun” due to the recent span of cold weather in Florida. FWC has rescued more than 100 sea turtles from across the state over the past 24 hours. The turtles all came from Mosquito Lagoon. The turtles have received fruit and herb-themed names, including papaya, pina, kiwi, mango, guava, huckleberry, parsley and cayenne. coldstunturtles1

“Cold stun” becomes a big concern when the temperature in the water drops. “Turtles take on the ambient temperature of their environment and when the temperature goes below their normal body temperature, their metabolic rate drops and they stop swimming and eating, and end up floating,” said CMA Manager of Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Danielle O’Neil. “All facilities in Florida that can take in sea turtles are doing so right now to help with this emergency status.”

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coldstunturtles2 With more cold weather on the horizon, additional “cold stunned” sea turtles are expected to show up on shores all over the state. The rehabilitation process for threatened and endangered species is expensive and CMA relies on public support to fulfill its mission. Thank you for supporting our work!