Sea turtles lying motionless on the beach may seem lifeless, but upon closer inspection, signs of life emerge. These turtles, found washed up on the shores of Cape Cod Bay in Massachusetts last December, were on the brink of freezing to death. Biologist Bob Prescott explained the dire situation, stating that if a turtle is left out in the cold for just a few hours at temperatures as low as 38°, it is unlikely to survive.
However, the root of the problem lies not solely in the cold weather but in the warming oceans. According to Prescott, the Gulf of Maine, which encompasses Cape Cod Bay, is one of the fastest-warming bodies of water in the world. While turtles thrive in warm waters, they are now staying in these colder regions for extended periods. As the temperature rapidly drops in mid-November, their cold-blooded bodies cannot cope, leading to an alarming increase in cold-stunned turtles washing ashore.
Among the endangered sea turtle species, Kemp’s Ridley turtles are facing the greatest threat. These turtles have been washing ashore since the 1970s, with the numbers steadily increasing over the years. The nesting grounds for Kemp’s Ridley turtles are thousands of miles away in the warm beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Donna Shaver, who dedicates her life to helping these turtles rebound, emphasized the various dangers they face, including oil spills, collisions with boats, red tides, and entanglement in debris.
To address the urgent need for care, the Animal Care Center for the New England Aquarium plays a crucial role in treating cold-stunned sea turtles. With an impressive success rate of 80%, the staff at this state-of-the-art facility rehabilitates these turtles, often lasting up to two years. However, due to the growing number of turtles being trapped each year, the capacity of a single rehab center is overwhelmed.
This is where Turtles Fly Too, a unique non-profit organization, comes into play. With a fleet of volunteer pilots, this organization transports the convalescing turtles to various care facilities across the country. These pilots generously offer their time, planes, and fuel to ensure the turtles reach their destinations safely.
Despite the significant impact of Turtles Fly Too, funding remains a constant challenge. The pilots finance these missions out of their own pockets, with costs totaling up to $1 million per year. Nonetheless, the efforts have proven fruitful, as 90% of the turtles moved to rehab facilities ultimately return to the ocean.
One such success story leads us to the Texas Sealife Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Through the efforts of Turtles Fly Too, turtles flown in from northern regions receive the care they need before eventually being released back into the wild. Dr. Tim Tristan, the center’s director, expressed his satisfaction with the success rate and the contributions of dedicated volunteers.
The culmination of these efforts allows for a heartwarming moment on the beach of Padre Island, where sea turtle releases become a symbol of modern conservation in action. Biologist Donna Shaver encapsulates the sentiment, stating that these turtles carry the hopes of future generations. Correspondent Lee Cowan had the honor of witnessing one turtle’s journey as it returned to its natural habitat.
On this day, humans united to give critically-endangered sea turtles a second chance, highlighting our capacity for compassion and conservation. Through collective effort, these turtles defy the notion that one cannot go home again.
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