Manteo, N.C. – A Sea Turtle Comeback!
Almost 400 sea turtles are swimming their way back home, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island’s Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center. This incredible tale of resilience begins in December when a sudden drop in water temperatures left these playfully majestic creatures in peril.
What Happened to the Turtles?
In the first week of December, the Outer Banks experienced a dramatic dip in water temperatures, causing over 550 sea turtles to become cold-stunned. These turtles—most of which couldn’t migrate quickly enough to warmer waters—found themselves battling what looked like hypothermia. Fortunately, nature’s guardians at the STAR Center, in collaboration with the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (NEST), swung into action!
A Turtle Tally and Rescue Team
As of December 17, the STAR Center has taken in a whopping 576 turtles, including North Carolina’s most common species: loggerhead, green, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Currently, the STAR Center is providing care for about 71 turtles, but there’s good news on the horizon! The Aquarium plans to release some of these incredible creatures later in December.
The success of this rescue mission can be attributed to the tireless work of over 135 staff and volunteers at the Aquarium. These folks have been instrumental in processing the intake of turtles and ensuring that each one receives the proper care they need to pull through this challenging time.
Marching Together for Marine Life
It’s not just the Aquarium’s team that made this incredible rescue possible. They’ve partnered with a myriad of organizations, including the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and even local veterinarian clinics. The U.S. Coast Guard at Hatteras Inlet and Fort Macon also lent a helping hand, showcasing the community spirit that ripples throughout Manteo and the surrounding areas.
Additionally, local heroes like the Outer Banks S.P.C.A., the North Carolina Aquarium Society, and partners from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums joined forces to ensure that the turtles got the care they needed during this critical time.
What To Do If You Spot a Turtle
The Endangered Status
It’s crucial to remember that sea turtles are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, making efforts to rehabilitate and protect them more critical than ever. Their journey from rehabilitation to release is a beacon of hope, reminding us all of our responsibility to safeguard wildlife in our communities.
As we celebrate the return of these remarkable sea turtles to their home, let’s continue to support conservation efforts and extend a helping hand when we see our aquatic friends in need. Rehabilitated, released, and ready to roam the seas once again—the turtles’ comeback truly warms the heart!
