APOLLO BEACH, Fla. — The Florida Aquarium is facing an unprecedented number of cold-stressed sea turtles at its Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach.
The center reached max capacity on Wednesday as 18 new turtles arrived.
Fifty-six turtles are now under critical care — the highest number at one time, the aquarium stated in a release.
Frigid water temperatures continue to threaten endangered sea turtles along Florida’s east coast, the aquarium stated in a press release, causing turtles to become lethargic and defenseless to predators.
When cold stunned, turtles are also at risk of becoming stranded on shore.
“This is one of the earliest and most severe cold-stress events we’ve ever seen,” stated Dr. Debi Luke, senior vice president of Conservation at The Florida Aquarium in the press release. “We usually see strandings peak between late February and April, but we’re already at full capacity, and more turtles are continuing to struggle.”
The aquarium stated that rehabilitating a single sea turtle can cost up to $15,000, and without federal funding, they need public help.
Although the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act, introduced this year, will likely pass with bipartisan support, aquarium officials say additional funding is always needed.
“The reality is sea turtle bed space, and finances are maxed out,” Luke explained. “We need the public’s help now more than ever.”
Here is how the public can help:
- Visiting The Florida Aquarium or becoming an annual member. A portion of every ticket sold goes toward sea turtle rehabilitation efforts.
- Donating directly to The Florida Aquarium’s sea turtle conservation efforts.
- Advocating for increased funding and policy changes to protect endangered sea turtles.
- Reporting stranded or distressed sea turtles to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.
