Special to PRESS
In response to a sudden drop in temperatures over the weekend and early this week, Sea Turtle Inc. staff mobilized to address another environmental emergency. Cold Stun events, occurring when water temperatures become too cold for sea turtles to regulate their body temperature, pose a significant threat to these marine creatures. During such events, the turtles remain awake but are unable to move or swim, leading to the risk of drowning if not rescued.
Sea Turtle Inc. has been at the forefront of responding to cold stun events in South Texas for over 46 years. Their dedication was evident during the unprecedented cold stunning event of 2021, where they successfully rescued more than 5500 cold-stunned sea turtles in just eight days.
“Cold stun response is an annual part of our dedication to conservation and medical care,” said Wendy Knight, Chief Executive Officer of Sea Turtle Inc. She emphasized the deployment of hundreds of dedicated volunteers on foot and boat patrols in the coming days to address the weather event.
Anticipating the need for patrols, Wendy Knight mentioned, “Given current predictions, we anticipated patrols to begin midday Tuesday and continue throughout the following days as we monitor water temperatures to move back above the 55-degree mark.”
While Sea Turtle Inc. has managed similar emergencies in the past, the highly anticipated opening of their new hospital is set to bring critical resources for future cold stunning events. Wendy Knight stated, “We are rapidly working to complete construction on the world’s largest fully enclosed sea turtle hospital. Having the hospital complete for these types of events will have a critical impact on the survival rate and the response capability of our organization.”
Reflecting on the challenges of cold stun emergencies, Wendy expressed gratitude for the extreme dedication of staff and the significant impact the community, volunteers, and boat owners have on their organization. As long as the cold holds, turtles are at risk, and residents are encouraged to help.
Individuals looking to contribute and help during these challenging times are encouraged to visit the Sea Turtle Inc. Facebook page for current and live updates, as well as information on supplies and other resource needs.
Follow Sea Turtle Inc. on Facebook: facebook.com/seaturtleconservation
For more information or to donate, visit the Sea Turtle Inc. website: seaturtleinc.org/donate/
Media Contact: Sea Turtle Inc., Sanjuana Zavala, sanjuana.zavala@seaturtleinc.org, 9567614511 ext 105