Juno Beach, Florida – Eight green sea turtles were released again in the Atlantic Ocean On Tuesday, almost a month after a cold wave caused an unusual snowfall in northern Florida and left aquatic reptiles suffering from a condition known as cold stunned.
A total of 17 sea turtles that were found stranded last month on the coast of the Northeast of Florida were taken to the Marina Loggerhead Center in Juno Beach, north of West Palm Beach, for rehabilitation.
“There are so many turtles that were affected by that cold stunning event that occurred several weeks ago”commented the main veterinarian, Dr. Heather Barron. “The cold really suppresses its immune system because they are reptiles, and their body temperature is obtained from the surrounding water temperature,” he added.
Nevada were recorded in areas of northern Florida, which is extremely rare, and cold temperatures reached the south of the state. More than a dozen additional turtles have been taken to the Marina Loggerhead Center from the first groupand other facilities for state turtles have reached the top of their capacity.
Veterinarians have been treating turtles with antibiotics, liquids and intravenous nutrition. All suffered from cold stunned, which causes sea turtles to lose mobility and become lethargic. It is planned that most turtles be released again in the ocean within a few weeks.
The Loggerhead Marine Life Center plans to receive more than 15,000 people this weekend at its twentieth annual turtle festival. The free event focuses on promoting the conservation of the ocean through interactive educational exhibitions and marine life.