Massive Sea Turtle Rescue Underway in Corpus Christi: Texas State Aquarium Rescues Nearly 300 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles

January 13, 2025

Corpus Christi, TX – In response to the recent cold temperatures impacting South Texas, the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at the Texas State Aquarium activated its emergency protocols to manage a sea turtle cold-stunning event. Between January 10 and January 12, the Center admitted 297 cold-stunned green sea turtles affected by the sudden temperature drop.

The cold snap left many sea turtles in Texas lethargic and unable to swim. As cold-blooded animals, sea turtles rely on environmental warmth to regulate their body temperature. Without it, they become vulnerable to serious health issues, including pneumonia and injuries.

Anticipating the event, the Aquarium’s wildlife rescue and operations teams began preparing emergency Aquatic Field Stabilization systems, readying for an influx of cold-stunned sea turtles. The Center for Wildlife Rescue has been also actively caring for several Kemp’s ridley sea turtles that were transferred from New England Aquarium to the Sea Turtle Hospital on December 28, 2024 for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Over the weekend, the Center Wildlife Rescue admitted 297 endangered green sea turtles. Partner organizations, working tirelessly to rescue cold-stunned sea turtles from the frigid waters, transported them in large moving trucks, vehicles, and trailers packed to capacity. Upon arrival, each sea turtle was thoroughly assessed and treated by the Aquarium’s veterinary team for cold-stunning and any related conditions. Based on their health status, some sea turtles were placed in a warming room to recover and regain strength before being moved to the Aquarium’s Aquatic Field Stabilization Systems. Others were transferred directly to the stabilization systems for immediate care. The sea turtles requiring additional attention will be monitored and treated accordingly.

In total, the Center for Wildlife Rescue is currently treating over 300 cold-stunned sea turtles, including those from both Texas and New England.

The Aquarium is coordinating with NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine an appropriate release date and location.

The Texas State Aquarium extends special thanks to Padre Island National Seashore (PAIS), NOAA Fisheries, the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Sealife Center, The Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK), Mid Coast Sea Turtle Rescue, and the Port of Corpus Christi for their collaborative efforts in rescuing these endangered sea turtles and supporting the work of the Center for Wildlife Rescue.

About Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium (TSA), the Official Aquarium of the State of Texas, is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) institution that is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Its mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas and support wildlife conservation. TSA, the largest Aquarium in Texas, cares for over 4,000 animals and has been named the #5 Best Aquarium in North America by USA Today. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org

 

Texas State Aquarium Contact:

Jennifer Vela

Chief Government Affairs and Marketing Officer

361.653.2655

[email protected]

 

Media Assets: https://bit.ly/4aeqfvs

 

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