Lightning Strikes Sea Turtle Rescue At Essex County Zoo, Sparks Fire

EDITOR'S NOTE: Read our update to this article here

WEST ORANGE, NJ — “So many things that could have gone wrong, did not.” This was the reaction from a nonprofit animal rescue after a bolt of lightning struck its hospital at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange on Wednesday night.

Sea Turtle Recovery – which has a headquarters at the county-run zoo – is struggling to put the pieces back together after the lightning strike and resulting fire.

According to a township spokesperson, emergency responders in West Orange got a call from the county-run zoo about a lightning-borne fire at 9:46 p.m. Fire and police crews from the township – as well as police with the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and mutual aid – responded to the Sea Turtle Recovery Building and put out the fire.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said the lightning damaged the facility’s roof.

“All sea turtles in the building were relocated to other areas of the zoo and none were injured,” DiVincenzo said, adding that the Turtle Back Zoo will be open for normal hours on Thursday.

The staff at Sea Turtle Recovery recapped the harrowing incident in a social media post. They wrote:

“At approximately 9:40 p.m., Sea Turtle Recovery received a call from staff inside the Turtle Back Zoo that lightning had hit our hospital and the building was on fire. We rushed to the Sea Turtle Recovery's hospital and found the West Orange Fire Department and others working to stop the fire. The sea turtles were exposed to heavy smoke so we immediately moved them to a safe building inside the zoo for triage. STR staff and volunteers began doing thorough exams of all our patients, and the zoo staff assisted. A critically endangered Kemp's Ridley, named Pickles, was in our hospital fighting a respiratory infection. During his emergency exam, his heart rate dropped dangerously low. Dr. Paluch, STR's Vet, immediately gave medical instruction to our staff. Pickles was then swam in an emergency pool to stimulate deeper breathing. You cannot imagine our relief when his swimming became regular, and he began exhibiting normal behaviors. Our Loggerhead, a Green Sea Turtle, and all 3 Kemp's were stabilized. We headed the 4hrs to NY as the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society began preparing their tanks for our arrival. Our day has not stopped, and we have been up without rest. The turtles are now safe, and they are being monitored closely.

“We know there are so many to thank including the fire department for their quick action that put out the fire, the zoo staff that became our right hand through it all and spotted the fire after the hit, and now the NY team is still helping us. We know some are left out, and we will have more posts soon.

“For now, please know that our staff are still preparing tanks which will include new divider purchases, buying food until ours is obtained back in NJ, and will eventually, hopefully, find shifts to rest at a local hotel. Our medicines and supplies are with us.

“We cannot begin to assess the damage, and we do not know at this time all of the filtration and tank damage that was done. Again, our animals are the current focus. All we can say simply is that 7 years ago this hospital was a dream, and now 122 animals have been released. The turtles never give up, and they have taught us to never give up on them or ourselves. Sea Turtle Recovery is the only long term care hospital in NJ, and WE WILL NOT give up. Again, the turtles are stable. We are making sure they are comfortable. We were blessed for so many circumstances that followed this initial lightning strike. So many things that could have gone wrong, did not. Grateful cannot express it.

“If you can, we DESPERATELY need your help. Adoption sponsor our two turtles already online or donate at Seaturtlerecovery.org. Also, you can text 'SEATURTLE' to 202-858-1233 to donate.

“More when there is time. Thank you all.”

• See Related: 100 Rescued Sea Turtles In New Jersey; Nonprofit Hits Big Milestone

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