Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network Care for Cold-Stunned Turtle

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 27, 2022 7:16 pm

A green sea turtle is cared for by the Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network after it was found suffering the effects of being cold stunned

Photo Credit: Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network

A green sea turtle has been rescued by the Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network after it was found suffering from the effects of being cold stunned. The network were alerted to the turtle by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration about a floating cold-stunned green sea turtle outside of Belle Pass in Port Fourchon, LA.

The turtle had been spotted by members of the public who secured it till the ACWN arrived. They moved it to Audubon’s Aquatic Center for rehabilitation where it remains in a stable condition.

Turtles can become cold stunned when temperatures drop. Symptoms of the condition include decreased heart and respiration rates, and decreased circulation. Once a turtle is cold stunned, they are lethargic and have trouble lifting their head above the water to breathe. All can be followed by shock and pneumonia.

On arrival at the Aquatic Center the turtle was given fluids, antibiotics, and a full medical workup including ultrasound, radiographs, eye exam, physical exam, and blood work. Her body temperature is being raised gradually each day to try and prevent her going in to shock.

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“We appreciate the public calling in this turtle. As with all cold stuns, it is a matter of life and death,” said Audubon Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding, Rescue, and Rehab Coordinator Gabriella Harlamert. “With protected species such as green sea turtles, every individual matters to the population as a whole.” 

CWN act as the only rescuers of marine mammals and turtles in Louisiana. They have a commitment to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals.

Information collected by the group also provides a vital snapshot in to the health of the marine ecosystem.

Learn more about Green Sea Turtles here – Green Sea Turtle Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network on their website – Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network

A green sea turtle is cared for by the Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network after it was found suffering the effects of being cold stunned

Photo Credit: Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network