Cold temperatures across the Coastal Bend have affected people and local wildlife. Green sea turtles are among the most impacted, especially vulnerable to cold conditions.
Hundreds of Cold-Stunned Turtles Rescued
The Texas State Aquarium rescued 297 cold-stunned green sea turtles between Friday and Sunday, bringing them to the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue. By Tuesday, the aquarium had rehabilitated approximately 270 turtles. It successfully released them back into the Gulf of Mexico at Padre Balli Park.
Giovanna Peña, the aquarium’s wildlife coordinator for reptiles, emphasized the significance of these efforts. She explained that green sea turtles are a “keystone species,” meaning their presence supports their ecosystem’s overall health and balance. “It’s just so important to be able to get them back into the wild and make sure that they’re doing their part out there,” Peña remarked as she personally released a rehabilitated turtle into the water.
Why Cold Temperatures Are Dangerous for Sea Turtles
As cold-blooded animals, sea turtles rely on external warmth to regulate their body temperature. Without sufficient heat, they become lethargic, unable to swim, and prone to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and physical injuries.
The aquarium’s veterinary team thoroughly assessed the rescued turtles. Depending on their health, some were placed in warming rooms to recover. In contrast, others received immediate stabilization and treatment for cold-stunning. These measures ensured that the turtles were strong enough for release back into their natural habitat.
Caring for Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles
In addition to this recent rescue effort, the aquarium is also treating 18 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles that arrived in December from the New England Aquarium in Massachusetts. This species, considered one of the most endangered sea turtles, continues to receive specialized care at the Texas State Aquarium.
Community Involvement and Education
Giovanna Peña highlighted the importance of community involvement in these rescue operations. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the wildlife rescue center to witness ongoing rehabilitation efforts and learn more about sea turtles’ critical role in marine ecosystems.
“You can see all the action that is taking place currently at the rescue center,” Peña said. “The team is doing an incredible job. It takes a village to accomplish something like this. It makes me proud to be a part of the aquarium.”