Sanctuary Partners With Wildlife Hospital As Emergency Responders Along A Weather-Ravaged Coastline
Cape Cod Bay may be a sea turtle haven during the summer months, but come winter, this supposed refuge can become a death trap. After eating their fill of crustaceans and other ocean life, the turtles must head south in search of warmer waters since their cold-blooded bodies cannot function in chilly temperatures. This is where it becomes a major issue for sea turtles coming from Cape Cod Bay. Because of the unique shape of the inlet, many turtles become disorientated and fail to leave the location before the winter weather hits, causing many of them to wash up along the beaches. Without assistance these animals ultimately succumb to the elements, but this is where the Massachusetts Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary comes into play. Run by an army of trained staff and volunteers, they scan the beaches twice a day in search of any unfortunate victims of the weather, enlisting the help of the Wellfleet sanctuary to rehabilitate the cold-stunned turtles. The staff at this hospital act quickly with a series of bloodwork and medications in an effort to revive the lifeless creatures. Thankfully, due to the skill and determination of the doctors and technicians, the majority of patients are soon able to return to the ocean after a careful and gradual warm-up period. It is organizations just like these that through their intense passion and dedication ensure the future of these ocean giants for generations to come.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Asia: Passing on the baton to the next generation
Asia: An edible treat highlights endangered sea turtles
Africa: Kenya’s sea turtles at high risk from thoughtless littering
Crime & Punishment
India: Massive turtle confiscation makes headlines
Asia: Smugglers caught red-handed
India: Lissemys Punctata seized from suspect
Miscellany
Asia: Unusual sighting on train provokes attention
USA: Museum on the hunt for popular hard-shelled attraction
USA: A reptile rescue and their great service to the community
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Photo from Esther Horvath.
