Cold-stunned sea turtle arrives at Mote
Hundreds of sea turtles statewide have been affected by the cold temperatures, according to Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. One – a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) – was brought to Mote on Thursday and is already being treated. Other cold-stunned turtles are expected to arrive at Mote throughout the weekend.
Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, which is already running over capacity, expects addition patients over the next couple of days, said Mote veterinarian Dr. Andy Stamper. “This is an unusual surge of cold temperatures, so we’re seeing a lot of turtles in trouble,” he said. “We’re going into overdrive to care for these animals. Green sea turtles are an endangered species, so helping every individual is especially important.”
The turtle at Mote is considered juvenile to sub-adult – not yet mature enough to reproduce. It was delivered Thursday by FWC staff after it was rescued it from the Titusville area.
The turtle has symptoms of cold-stunning, which renders turtles lethargic and can shut down their organs and bodily functions. It also has papilloma tumors, which are growths on the soft tissues that can disable or even kill a turtle. Mote is one of only three facilities in Florida that treats papilloma turtles.
Mote staff also received two other young green turtles on Thursday: one with debilitating papilloma tumors on the corneas of both eyes and the other with papilloma tumors that was also unable to use its rear flippers due to an old boat-strike injury. That animal was found floating at the water’s surface – making it vulnerable to future boat strikes. In the face of these turtles’ severe conditions, euthanasia was the most humane option, Stamper said. The prognosis remains uncertain for the remaining turtle.
Help bring a turtle in from the cold:
You can help Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital provide the best possible care for cold-stunned and other sick sea turtles by making a donation online at www.mote.org/hospitalhelp.