Hundreds of sea turtles are stranded in Cape Cod each year. An ‘amazing network’ has mobilized to help
Summary
Hundreds of endangered sea turtles get stranded each year on Cape Cod’s beaches because they get caught in cold water when winter arrives. A large group of volunteers, scientists, and veterinarians rescue and care for these turtles at the New England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital before releasing them back into the ocean.Key Facts
- Around 473 sea turtles were found cold-stunned and rescued in Cape Cod last winter.
- The number of turtles stranded on Cape Cod has increased from about 50 a year in the early 2000s to nearly 500 now.
- Warmer ocean waters in the Gulf of Maine allow more turtles to come to Cape Cod in the summer.
- Cape Cod’s shape traps turtles, making it hard for them to swim south when the water cools.
- Cold-stunned turtles show signs of hypothermia and need medical treatment.
- Volunteers patrol beaches in cold conditions, sometimes at night, to find and save turtles.
- The sea turtles are cared for at the New England Aquarium’s hospital until they recover.
- Once stable and healthy, turtles undergo a check before being released back to the ocean.
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