CMA just took in eight more sea turtles as the result of “cold stun”

January 9, 2010 – 7 p.m.

CMA just took in eight more sea turtles as the result of “cold stun.” So far, CMA has received 23 turtles due to this emergency situation. With more cold weather ahead, more turtles are expected. “Cold stun” happens when the temperature of the water drops below their normal body temperature. Their metabolic rate drops and they stop swimming and eating, and end up floating and sometimes washing ashore.

According to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), over the last three days, more than 370 sea turtles have stranded across the state of Florida as a result of the cold weather. “Cold stun” happens when the temperature of the water drops below their normal body temperature. Their metabolic rate drops and they stop swimming and eating, and end up floating and sometimes washing ashore. Friday morning, CMA rescued a Loggerhead on Clearwater Beach with “cold stun.” Two Green turtles were found dead in Pinellas County with the condition.

CMA would like to thank AquaCal, a local pool supply company for loaning $45,000 worth of heaters/ chillers to help us accommodate (and keep warm) as many sea turtles as possible. The equipment is also allowing CMA to heat Winter and Panama’s pool during these record cool temperatures. The rehabilitation process for threatened and endangered species is expensive and CMA relies on public support to fulfill its mission. We have created an Emergency Sea Turtle Fund to help care for the turtles that are stranding as a result of “cold stun.”

Please help us care for these turtles.

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