The onset of the busy cold-stun season is always a hectic time. With 20 turtles arriving at the rehab in the last week we should pause and remember all the work that goes into this endeavor. N.E.S.T. volunteers give countless hours answering phones, responding to turtles, transporting, and caring for patients. A few brave souls even head out in kayaks in the cold weather to make sure all of the beaches have been patrolled for chilly turtles. Aquarium staff and veterinarians work to perform health assessments and provide treatments – and don’t forget that paperwork! State, federal, and private partners provide stranding response and release opportunities. And to the caring public – THANK YOU for recognizing turtles in distress and calling the N.E.S.T. hotline. You are the first link in an incredible chain.
Turtle-palooza! Photo by NC Aquariums.
5 Kemp’s ridleys
15 greens
Most are in pretty good shape, but about a third of them need some special care due to anemia or injury.