Many states are experiencing arctic temperatures to start off December. This also means that water temperatures are quickly declining which can lead to life-threatening hypothermia for sea turtles causing their organs to shut down and paralysis.
This condition called “cold-stunning” is impacting sea turtles in Massachusetts who need to fly south to be rehabilitated and then released back into the ocean. Will you help fly them to safety?
How it works
Rescue organizations operate hotlines and have trained staff and volunteers monitor New England beaches during stranding season. When turtles are rescued, they are stabilized and transferred to the New England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital, for rehabilitation.
Turtles are closely monitored by marine biologists as they are gradually warmed in recovery pools and reintroduced to feeding. After their individualized treatment plan has been met and they’ve passed diagnostic tests, turtles are cleared for takeoff.
Turtles are flown with a heat pack and bedding to maintain their temperature. Receiving organizations will assess their health and complete the rehabilitation process before releasing the turtles back into the wild.
Next Flight
The next flight departs tomorrow, December 3rd, with 40 turtles waiting for a one-way ticket on Operation Turtle Takeoff.
Just $50 flies a turtle 100 miles to the safety of warm waters. Donate today to help save lives.
