Johnny Morris’ Sea Turtle Center at Wonders of Wildlife Welcomes Fifth Group of Critically Ill Sea Turtles suffering from cold-stunning.
Springfield, MO. –December 28, 2024–Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium (WOW), a world-class nonprofit conservation organization, has welcomed its fifth group of critically ill sea turtles to its cutting-edge Sea Turtle Center. The turtles are all suffering from conditions related to cold-stunning.
As the only dedicated sea turtle rescue facility in the Midwest, WOW has successfully rehabilitated more than 40 sea turtles — including loggerheads, green sea turtles, andKemp’s ridley sea turtles — since its founding in 2020, making a lasting impact on marine conservation in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks.
Cold-Stunning
On Saturday, December 21, a new batch of 20 loggerhead and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles made their way to Springfield, Missouri. This relocation was prompted by a significant rise in sea turtle strandings along the northeastern coast of the United States. The cause of these strandings is the sudden and drastic decrease in ocean temperatures, which results in a condition commonly referred to as cold-stunning.
The turtles were moved from The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts, using a rescue flight arranged by the nonprofit group Turtles Fly Too. Once they arrived, WOW’s experienced animal care team promptly started administering advanced medical treatment. This opportunity gives the turtles a second shot at life and, ultimately, a chance to be released back into their natural habitat.
The 20 sea turtles are receiving life-saving treatment, including hydration therapy, wound management, nutritional support, and specialized veterinary care. Once stabilized, they will be released back into their natural habitats in coordination with federal and state wildlife agencies such as the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Our team is passionate about giving these turtles the best chance for survival,” said Mike Daniel, Director of Animal Care at Wonders of Wildlife. “Every rescue is a step toward protecting the future of these endangered species, and we’re honored to be a key part of that effort.”
Increased Cold-Stunning in the Northeast
The rescued sea turtles suffer from “cold-stunning,” a life-threatening condition caused by sudden drops in ocean temperatures. As ectothermic animals, sea turtles rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. When temperatures fall too quickly, turtles can become immobile and experience severe conditions such as hypothermia, pneumonia, and dehydration.
NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have reported over 400 cold-stunned sea turtles along the U.S. East Coast this season alone, each requiring urgent medical care. Due to the complexity of their life cycle, only 1 in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings survive to adulthood, making every successful rehabilitation and release critical to the survival of these endangered species.
Although the newly rescued turtles are not accessible to the public due to their fragile conditions related to cold-stunning, guests can still connect with WOW’s resident green sea turtles, Izzy and Ms. Pam, in the Open Ocean exhibit, learning firsthand about these endangered species and how to help protect them.
Expanding Conservation through Satellite Tracking
In spring 2024, WOW introduced advanced satellite tracking technology to monitor rehabilitated sea turtles after their release – a new project made possible by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s generous Outdoor Fund grant. This advanced technology allows researchers to collect valuable data on turtle migration patterns, habitats, and overall life cycle. Guests can follow the journeys of five sea turtles released earlier this year through an interactive tracking feature on WOW’s website.
Building on this success, WOW plans to expand its satellite tagging program with this latest group of rescued turtles. Eligible turtles will be fitted with specialized satellite tracking devices before their release, allowing conservation scientists to monitor their progress in near real-time.
“Our commitment to sea turtle conservation extends far beyond the coasts,” Daniel added. “By integrating advanced tracking technology into our program, we’re not only giving these turtles a second chance at life but also contributing to critical global research efforts that can help protect future generations.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists
In addition to its sea turtle cold-stunning rescues and rehabilitation efforts, WOW plans to partner with local schools to inspire the next generation of ocean conservation advocates. Through educational programs, interactive exhibits, and behind-the-scenes tours, students will learn about marine conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species like sea turtles.
For more information about Wonders of Wildlife’s Sea Turtle Center, sea turtle tracking, and upcoming programs, visit wondersofwildlife.org/sea-turtles.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
