Eight cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are receiving critical care at the Gulfarium CARE Center after their rescue and transport from the New England Aquarium on December 10.
- The endangered turtles, rescued from cold northern waters, were transported to Florida facilities through a collaborative effort led by Turtles Fly Too. Upon arrival, the rehabilitation team gave them seasonal names: Frosty, Garland, Jingle, Joy, Kringle, Snow, Tinsel, and Winter.
“These turtles are remarkable fighters, and it’s an honor to be part of the effort to nurse them back to health,” said Tabby Siegfried, Gulfarium CARE Center Coordinator. “The collaboration between organizations like Turtles Fly Too and our dedicated team allows us to give these animals the best chance for recovery.”
The center’s staff conducted thorough evaluations of the turtles and provided supportive therapies. According to the CARE Center, all eight turtles are doing well under care. Once fully rehabilitated, they will be released back into the ocean.
The public can follow the turtles’ recovery progress on the center’s Facebook page. The rehabilitation work is viewable to visitors with general admission tickets to the Gulfarium.
The CARE Center encourages anyone who spots a distressed, injured, or deceased sea turtle to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).
