Audubon Aquarium Rescue Helping Sea Turtles Impacted by Cold Weather

Audubon Aquarium Rescue (AAR) is now caring for two juvenile green sea turtles, both suffering from impacts of the recent frigid weather.

Sea turtles are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, when water temperatures drop, sea turtles can become hypothermic or “cold-stunned.” Turtles can appear lethargic, floating at the water’s surface, or stranded on shore. The two green sea turtles currently in AAR’s care came from Port Fourchon, LA. They have been nicknamed “Calvin” and “Martha” by the rescue team.

The first turtle – “Calvin” had buoyancy issues related to being cold-stunned and the second – “Martha” was found floating, stunned by the wintry weather. Members of the public immediately called the 24-hour AAR hotline, which led to a quick response by the Audubon team. Each turtle has received a full physical examination, and the AAR veterinarian has developed individual care plans to help them recover.

With the addition of “Calvin” and “Martha”, Audubon Aquarium Rescue has a total of 37 sea turtles in their care this year. Audubon received 35 cold stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles in November 2025 from Massachusetts. Both Kemp’s ridley and green sea turtles are commonly found in the Gulf. Once their recovery is complete and water temperatures are warmer, they will be returned to the Gulf.

“The public is truly the eyes and ears for Audubon Aquarium Rescue. We rely on the public to report cases of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles to the AAR hotline. Timely reporting means we can send our team quickly to recover animals in need of care,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehabilitation Coordinator.

February through June is peak turtle stranding season in Louisiana. With more than 7,700 square miles of complex coastline for AAR to cover, public reporting is critical to helping find stranded animals. If you spot stranded or out-of-habitat marine mammals and sea turtles (live or dead) call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only authorized entity for marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response and rehabilitation in Louisiana and is dedicated to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals. AAR is committed to enhancing stranding response and collecting data of live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in Louisiana. The data collected from stranded animals provides a snapshot into the health of the marine environment and provides a better understanding of threats to marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild. 

To make a donation to help support AAR’s work:  https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/support-aquarium-rescue