How Wonders of Wildlife Gave 19 Sea Turtles a Second Chance

In collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Turtles Fly Too, Wonders of Wildlife has helped rehabilitate 64 sea turtles—including loggerhead, green and Kemp’s ridley species—before returning them to their natural habitat. 

“Rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles is critical to preserving these incredible marine animals and the health of our oceans,” says Mike Daniel, Director of Animal Care at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. “With only about one in 1,000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood, every turtle we save makes a difference in restoring their fragile populations.”

Rescuing The Latest Group of Sea Turtles

Wonders of Wildlife welcomed its fifth group of critically ill sea turtles in December. The latest group, consisting of 20 loggerhead and Kemp’s ridley turtles, arrived in town after a surge in sea turtle strandings along the northeastern U.S. coast caused by rapidly dropping ocean temperatures. Transported from the New England Aquarium in Boston via the nonprofit Turtles Fly Too, the turtles were met by Wonders of Wildlife’s expert animal care team, who immediately began providing critical medical care. 

This past winter, over 400 sea turtles along the U.S. East Coast fell victim to “cold-stunning,” a life-threatening condition caused by sudden drops in ocean temperatures. Unable to regulate their body temperature, these turtles suffered from hypothermia, pneumonia and dehydration. With only one in 1,000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood, every rescued and rehabilitated sea turtle played a crucial role in preserving these endangered species. 

While the newest arrivals at Wonders of Wildlife’s Sea Turtle Center remained in recovery, visitors connected with resident green sea turtles, Izzy and Ms. Pam, in the Open Ocean exhibit to learn about conservation efforts.

Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released Off Florida Coast 

After 13 weeks of rehabilitation at Wonders of Wildlife, 19 endangered sea turtles headed back to the ocean. Wonders of Wildlife released the rehabilitated sea turtles off the coast of Little Talbot Island State Park—just outside Jacksonville, Florida. 

The sea turtles received care, including hydration treatments, wound care, nutritional support and expert veterinary attention in the weeks leading up to their release. “At Wonders of Wildlife’s Sea Turtle Center, we’re committed to providing expert care and working with conservation partners to give these turtles a second chance at life and help protect their future in the wild,” Daniel says. 

Other Ways To Explore Wonders of Wildlife: Tours, Camps and Sea Turtle Tracking

While the turtles recover behind the scenes, here are other exciting experiences to enjoy at Wonders of Wildlife.

Behind the Scenes
You can see Wonders of Wildlife like never before through a new back-of-house tour. Visitors will take a look at the equipment the team uses, how they feed the animals, where the animals live when they’re not in their exhibits and so much more. Find out more HERE.

Summer EdVenture Camps
If you’re looking for something to keep your child busy this summer, Wonders of Wildlife is hosting dozens of summer camps covering a variety of topics and interests. Kids engage with live animals, explore hands-on experiments, create unique masterpieces and develop new skills in a safe and supportive environment. Explore all the options at wondersofwildlife.org/education/camps.

Check out a short clip of the turtles being released into the ocean below.