Cold-stunned Florida sea turtles recovering in Tampa Bay

Dozens of cold-stunned sea turtles rescued from Florida waters are receiving care in Tampa Bay-area aquariums; Clearwater Marine Aquarium admitted 36 and released 15 as water temperatures rebounded.

Wildlife officials, rescue groups and members of the public have brought dozens of cold-stunned sea turtles to rehabilitation centers in the Tampa Bay area. Clearwater Marine Aquarium reported a recent increase in admissions, and other regional aquariums have also taken in turtles for treatment. Water temperatures have begun to rebound, allowing some animals to be returned to the wild. Staff are treating and evaluating turtles that need more advanced care. What we know: - Clearwater Marine Aquarium admitted 36 turtles rescued from local waterways and the Panhandle, chief veterinarian Dr. Shelly Marquardt told Axios. - As water temperatures rebounded, aquarium staff released 15 turtles back to the wild at Honeymoon Island State Park. - Sarasota's Mote Marine Aquarium received 25 sea turtles from Florida's East Coast for specialized care at its Sea Turtle and Manatee Rehabilitation Hospital. - The Florida Aquarium's Apollo Beach rehab facility admitted its first two turtles of the season on Super Bowl Sunday; those juveniles, now named Patriot and Seahawk, were transferred from Northwest Florida. - Turtles cannot regulate their body temperature; cold-stunned animals become lethargic and unable to swim to warmer water, and some require additional medical treatment. - A juvenile named Gaia was found washed up on a Treasure Island beach and is undergoing tests before release, aquarium staff said. Summary: Dozens of rescued turtles are in care across Tampa Bay-area aquariums, and some have already been returned to the wild as waters warmed. While many recover as temperatures rise, others need medical treatment and testing before they can be released. Undetermined at this time.