SeaWorld Rescues 13 Endangered Sea Turtles Along Texas Coastline

SeaWorld San Antonio Animal Care Specialist recently braved the cold and rescued 13 endangered green sea turtles on the Upper Laguna Madre in Corpus Christi. Due to low water temperatures, the turtles became cold stunned, a condition where hyperthermia sets in and the turtles are unable to swim, making them susceptible to boat strikes and predators.

The SeaWorld Rescue team actively monitors both air and water temperatures along the Texas coast which determines when they will aid in the search/rescue. Once it was determined that the temperatures had dropped significantly and the chance for cold stunned turtles was significant, three members of the SeaWorld Animal Rescue were deployed. Using a rescue boat, the team patrolled the islands, sand bars, and shore lines to search for turtles in need.

Once the turtles were found, they were rescued and turned over to The Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery at Padre Island National Seashore. From there they will make their way to a rehabilitation facility like the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK). Upon successful rehabilitation, the turtles will be returned to the coast. 

SeaWorld’s rescue team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and often gets less than 24 hours’ notice before embarking on a rescue. Since 2013 SeaWorld San Antonio has successfully rescued turtles, dolphins, manatees, and even terrestrial animals like opossum. In its 56 year history, SeaWorld has rescued over 37,000 animals. SeaWorld is currently hosting Wild Days, a celebration of wild animals and wild coasters. Guests can learn firsthand about rescue efforts from the people who perform them. This coming Saturday and Sunday is the final weekend of Wild Days before the park begins celebrating Mardi Gras weekends in February.

For tickets and more information, visit the official SeaWorld website by clicking here.

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