Cold Stunning and Sea Turtles

In January 2010, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission organized the rescue of more than 4500 sea turtles from unusually cold Florida waters. These turtles were rescued primarily from shallow intracoastal waters around the state. Turtles are cold-blooded, and the frigid water slows down their metabolism and can put them in a life-threatening coma. They also become susceptible to other ailments and injuries.  The majority of animals just needed to be warmed up . They were released as soon as water temperatures also warmed up. But others required much more extensive medical care. 

The Animal Programs team from The Seas at EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is caring for rescued sea turtles in heated pools set up in backstage areas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that have been converted into temporary rehabilitation facilities. The Walt Disney Company also assisted in a variety of ways including transport of sea turtles to various locations around the state and the donation of necessary equipment and supplies. The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has donated $50,000 to help other facilities care for rescued turtles. To learn more about how the state of Florida was affected by cold stunning event click here.