Sea Turtle Rehab Center Reaches Capacity For First Time: FL Aquarium

APOLLO BEACH, FL — The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach welcomed 18 new cold-stressed turtles on Wednesday, hitting capacity for the first time since its opening, according to a news release.

There are no 56 turtles under critical care at the center — the highest number at one time — in what the aquarium calls “an unprecedented challenge … as frigid temperatures continue to threaten endangered sea turtles along Florida’s east coast.

“This is one of the earliest and most severe cold-stress events we’ve ever seen,” Dr. Debi Luke, senior vice president of conservation at The Florida Aquarium, said. “We usually see strandings peak between late February and April, but we’re already at full capacity, and more turtles are continuing to struggle.”

When water temperatures drop into the low 50s, sea turtles become lethargic and float to the surface, leaving them vulnerable to predators and possibly stranding on shore, according to the aquarium.

This winter alone, The Florida Aquarium has taken in 49 cold-stressed turtles, a number that could continue to rise as chilly conditions persist. Other sea turtle rehabilitation centers across the state are at or near capacity, forcing difficult decisions about which turtles receive care.

The cost of rehabilitating a single sea turtle can reach $15,000, with some patients requiring months to a year of intensive care.

At The Florida Aquarium, each sea turtle receives comprehensive medical care, including examinations, x-rays, bloodwork, ongoing treatments and medications throughout their stay.

Although the federal Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act has bipartisan support in the House and is expected in the Senate, there are currently no government funding programs available to offset the costs for caring for these endangered animals, the aquarium said.

People can donate directly to The Florida Aquarium’s sea turtle conservation efforts or visit the aquarium. A portion of every ticket sold goes toward sea turtle rehabilitation efforts.
Stranded or distressed sea turtles to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC.

“The reality is sea turtle bed space, and finances are maxed out,” Luke added. “We need the public’s help now more than ever.”