In a rare turn of events, an arctic cold wave swept through northern Florida, bringing unexpected snowfall and leaving marine wildlife in distress. Among the casualties were green sea turtles, vulnerable to this sudden drop in temperature. As many as seventeen turtles were found stranded along the northeastern Atlantic coast, suffering from a condition known as cold stunning.
These turtles, discovered from as far north as St. Augustine, made their way to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, located north of West Palm Beach. This center specializes in rehabilitating sea turtles, and it became a safe haven for these cold-stunned reptiles.
Dr. Heather Barron, the chief science officer and veterinarian at the center, explained the critical situation. When it’s cold on land, it’s also cold in the ocean, she said. That led to many turtles being beached or found debilitated, just floating in the water. The Loggerhead team took swift action, naming each turtle after a beverage and marking their shells with these new monikers.
These rescued turtles are undergoing intensive care, with veterinarians administering antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and nutritional support. This comprehensive medical intervention aims to restore their health and help them regain their natural mobility.
The unusual weather pattern not only brought snow to northern Florida but chilling temperatures that reached as far south as Palm Beach County. Dr. Barron noted the rarity of such an event in Florida, stating, It is quite unusual for this to happen. Sea turtles usually migrate to Florida during this time of year to find warmer waters. This year, the turtles found themselves unexpectedly in colder water, which worsened their plight.
By mid-week, turtles assigned whimsical names like Espresso, Pickle Juice, and Ginger Beer were vigorously recuperating in what the center affectionately refers to as the “Party Tank.” The turtles' journey to Juno Beach began at the Marine Science Center in Volusia County, highlighting a coordinated effort in wildlife rescue.
Typically, cold stunning renders sea turtles lethargic, leading to a loss of mobility and making them vulnerable in the wild. However, due to the dedicated staff at Loggerhead, most of the turtles are expected to be revitalized and ready to return to their ocean home in a few weeks.
This event echoes a similar situation from last year where cold-stunned turtles were transported from Massachusetts to Florida for rehabilitation, showcasing the ongoing challenges faced by marine life due to unpredictable weather shifts.