Over 275 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf of Mexico
January 14, 2025
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – On Tuesday, January 14, the Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue team successfully released 275 cold-stunned sea turtles into the Gulf of Mexico, just days after their rescue from the frigid waters of the Upper Laguna Madre. The rapid response and quick turnaround from rescue to release ensured that the turtles were returned to their natural habitat as soon as they were cleared for release.
Between January 10 and January 12, hundreds of cold-stunned turtles were transported to the Aquarium’s Center for Wildlife Rescue, where they received immediate medical attention, and close monitoring. The Animal Health and Wildlife Care teams worked diligently to stabilize the turtles, gradually helping them regain a healthy body temperature. Thanks to the swift, coordinated effort, all 275 turtles were cleared for release in just a few days after their intake.
“This was an extraordinary example of teamwork and efficiency,” said Jesse Gilbert, President and CEO at the Texas State Aquarium. “Our team, along with our partners, worked around the clock to ensure these turtles received the care they needed. The quick turnaround allowed us to return them to a safer environment in the Gulf as soon as they were ready.”
To minimize the risk of the turtles returning to the colder, shallow waters of Laguna Madre, they were released at Padre Balli Park, well south of the Packery Channel, into the warmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This carefully chosen release location significantly improves their chances of survival by guiding them toward a safer and more suitable environment. This also helps reduce the chance of them re-entering the Packery Channel, which leads back to Laguna Madre, where they face a greater risk of cold-stunning.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Nueces County for graciously accommodating our use of this location.
This rescue mission was made possible through the collaboration of several dedicated partner organizations. 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, U.S. Coast Guard, 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/4gTHyV4