Cold Stunned Sea Turtles Arriving at Gulf World

Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) has received approximately 50 endangered sea turtles in the past two days. These marine turtles have been stranding due to cold temperatures in shallow bay waters. 

These marine reptiles are cold blooded; they cannot thermo regulate their body temperature. As a result, the cold temperatures are placing these animals in a hypothermic state and they become very weak and can cause secondary illnesses. The body temperature of the animals coming into rehabilitation are between 40-50 degrees and some of the animal’s heart rates are as slow as one beat per minute. 

GWMI, FWC, Fish and Wildlife, Gulf Island National Seashore, and University of Florida volunteers are finding and transporting the turtles to GWMI for rehabilitation. All the animals that we have received so far in rehabilitation are in intensive care. Their body temperatures will be slowly warmed and any necessary medical treatments will be administered as needed. Rescue teams will continue to search until the water temperatures are warm. 

Along with the current cold stun at Cape San Blas the Gulf World team is now responding to a live stranded marine animal. We will send more details after the team has evaluated the situation.

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