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

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 26 and January 28, the Center admitted 332 cold-stunned green sea turtles affected by the 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.  

Over the last couple of days, the Center Wildlife Rescue admitted 332 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. 

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 Game Wardens, 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.