AssetID: 54445604
Headline: RAW VIDEO: 41 Stunned Sea Turtles Return To The Sea After Cold Snap
Caption: An incredible 41 green sea turtles have returned to swimming free in the Gulf of Mexico after a rescue mission by staff at Houston Zoo. The turtles spent more than a week under the care of the Houston Zoo veterinary department and the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research due to the risk of swimming in the unseasonably cold waters in the Gulf. Sea turtles are prone to cold stunning if are in cold water but were released in a place where they can access warmer currents before the temperature drops in the coming days. Although cold stunning doesn’t kill these beautiful creatures - being stunned can result in injuries when are a t the mercy of the waves. Approximately 53 sea turtles were found cold stunned in east Matagorda Bay, Follett’s Island and Galveston during cold temperatures over the last week. The turtles were slowly warmed, treated, and assessed for strength and vigor. Houston Zoo veterinarians working with their caretakers cleared most of them to go back home. The sea turtles, ranging in size from three to 20 pounds, were released in a joint effort between the Zoo’s sea turtle team, Texas A&M University Galveston’s Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, Texas Park and Wildlife, Galveston Park Board and other volunteers who helped rescue the stranded animals. During their time under Houston Zoo care, some of the turtles were also treated for minor wounds and muscle damage from being washed around in the wind-driven waves. During the final medical check-up, all green sea turtles appeared healthy, vigorous, and ready to go home.
Keywords: feature,photo,animals,turtles,nature,climate change
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