SeaWorld Orlando is caring for a “cold-stunned” sea turtle rescued from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The goal is to return the animals to the Atlantic Ocean.
The 14 Kemp’s tortoises are some of the endangered species. Their camps begin moving south in late November or early December, said senior zoology specialist Mallory McCormack. Cape Cod’s complex geography can pose risks, she says.
“If they get stuck in that area and the water around them gets very cold, that affects their movement and they get cold stunned,” she said. “They are stranded on shore, unable to move to swim or move to eat.”
A network of organizations, including a group of volunteer pilots, are coordinating to transport the sea turtles to Florida.
“This is really a very collaborative event with all the interstate agencies working together, and it’s a crazy journey for them,” McCormack said. “I love camp rehab because of their stories, their journeys.”
After the flight to Orlando, the sea turtles undergo ingestion tests, X-rays, x-rays, and other tests.
“Many of them will develop pneumonia if left stranded on the shore,” Mr McCormack said. “A lot of their treatment will involve using antibiotics to relieve the pneumonia and help them recover. Starting with triage on Cape Cod, we’re not only slowly warming them up but also monitoring them to make sure they’re getting enough to eat.”
She said the process of getting the animals back to seaworthy condition usually takes three to four months.
“They’re so cute because they’re so small. They’re juveniles,” McCormack said. “So without this, it would be a fatal event for them.”
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is the world’s smallest sea turtle. Adults are about 2 feet long and weigh between 70 and 100 pounds. This species once flourished in the Atlantic Ocean, but declined sharply in the mid-20th century.
“Turtles are the most endangered of all turtles, so every individual plays an important role in their recovery,” said Kelly Clacky, a senior zoology specialist, in a video produced by SeaWorld. The company has worked with Kemp’s Ridley rescue for 15 years, she said.
When the animals return to the ocean, they don’t need to board another plane.
“They were starting to move along the coast, but they were stuck in the Cape Cod area,” McCormack said. “So we can send them back here from the Florida coast, and it will be their area.”
Meanwhile, the healing turtles are behind the scenes at SeaWorld Orlando, away from theme park guests. But an exception occurs. SeaWorld’s Inside Look event, scheduled for January 10, 11, 17 and 18, will include an experience inside the SeaWorld Rescue Center, where the Kemp family is temporarily housed in a medical pool.
Inside Look’s new tour includes a penguin habitat and a dedicated area for birds of prey. Inside Look, including trainer talks, scavenger hunts, and the “Seal of Fortune” trivia show, is included with regular admission to SeaWorld Orlando. Some activities require tickets and must be booked directly on the day of the event. First come first served. For more information, visit seaworld.com/orlando.
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