Audubon Aquarium Rescue Caring for 35 Cold Stunned Turtles

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is caring for 35 critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles that were part of a large “cold stunning” event last month. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the most endangered sea turtles in the world and they spend most of their lives along the Gulf Coast.

The turtles were found in New England suffering from exposure to frigid air and water causing them to wash ashore. Many were suffering from dehydration and pneumonia. They were initially treated and stabilized by New England Aquarium before being flown to New Orleans by a specially chartered plane from Greater Good Charities.

After arriving in New Orleans, the Audubon Aquarium Rescue team gave each turtle a complete physical and assessed their ability to swim. Some of the turtles had buoyancy problems keeping them from swimming as they should. Each turtle has an individualized care plan from the Aquarium team, addressing their specific issues as they continue their rehabilitation. The turtles will remain in Audubon’s care until spring when Gulf waters are warm enough for them to be released.

“Some of these turtles arrived in rough shape, they will need more extensive rehabilitation than others,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehab Coordinator. “We are monitoring each of them constantly and are hopeful all 35 of these turtles will heal and return to the Gulf in the spring.”

The Audubon Aquarium Rescue team has named the turtles for rocks and minerals. Naming the turtles with a theme helps identify when the animals arrive for care. Since it is so close to Christmas, the rescue team has created their own “naughty” and “nice” list for these turtles. This week “Jade” is on the nice list for starting to eat on their own after not eating for two weeks.  “Mica” is on the naughty list for refusing to eat and fighting when caregivers try to help. Other turtle names include – Opalite, Pebble, Aquamarine, Onyx, Quartz, and Coal. The remaining turtles will be named after the rescue team has time to identify each turtle’s personality and behavior. 

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is authorized to rehabilitate sea turtles by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and marine mammals by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). AAR is the only entity in the state of Louisiana responsible for the rehabilitation of live marine mammals and sea turtles.

If you see a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle (live or dead), report it to Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.