Two organizations team up to rescue and rehabilitate endangered sea turtles on Cape Cod

The Greater Good Charities and the New England Aquarium worked together this season to rescue and treat hundreds of cold-stunned endangered sea turtles on Cape Cod; 60 remain in long-term care at the aquarium.

Two organizations worked together this late fall to respond to endangered sea turtles stranded by cold ocean conditions on Cape Cod. Volunteers and staff collected cold-stunned turtles that washed ashore and brought them to the New England Aquarium for initial treatment. The aquarium provides gradual warming, medical checks, and triage before stabilized animals are transferred to other rehabilitation centers. NOAA describes cold-stunning as a condition that weakens turtles when ocean temperatures fall, often occurring between November and early January. Report details: - The Greater Good Charities and the New England Aquarium partnered this season to collect and treat hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles on Cape Cod. - The New England Aquarium treated over 470 turtles; about 350 were transported to rehabilitation centers elsewhere, and 60 remain in long-term care at the aquarium. - The organizations coordinated with NOAA Fisheries and more than 15 secondary rehabilitation facilities to place animals for continued care. Summary: The partnership provided initial and long-term care for hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles this season. Stranding season was reported to have ended on Dec. 21 after a week without live strandings. Rehabilitation and transfers to partner centers are continuing. Undetermined at this time.