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Oakland Zoo Helps Cold-Stunned Texas Sea Turtles

The Zoo contributed to the fund that raised $150k for the rescue efforts
By - posted 2/23/2021 No Comment

Thanks to KRON4 for sharing the news that Oakland Zoo has joined the the efforts to aid the rescue efforts for the cold-stunned sea turtles affected by the recent freezing temperatures in Texas.

The Zoo donated to The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Save Animals From Extinction fund to help the rescue efforts for the sea turtles who were left stranded on the shores, unable to move, due to the unusual cold snap.

A cold stunned sea turtle is one that has become hypothermic due to severe cold weather. Like all reptiles, sea turtles are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and cannot regulate their body temperature. If water temperatures drop below approximately 50°F (10°C), sea turtles become lethargic and are unable to swim. They float up to the surface and become vulnerable to boat strikes or wash ashore and become stranded. If not rescued quickly, these defenseless animals often die of shock, predation, or trauma due to boat strike. – NPS

Thankfully, the fund has raised $150,000 so far, and sea turtles are already starting to be released back to the wild.