161 sea turtles receiving rehabilitation at the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island
MANTEO, NC (WWAY) — Over 160 cold-stunned sea turtles are being rehabilitated at the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center (S.T.A.R.) by the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island.
The aquarium says over the past week, more than 120 stunned sea turtles have been rescued and brought to the Aquarium for rehabilitation.
Cold-stunning is a natural event that occurs when sound water temperatures drop quicky before the turtles can migrate to warmer water. Affected turtles experience hypothermia-like symptoms, becoming stranded at shorelines and appearing lifeless.
Multiple organizations assist with the turtles including the volunteer-led Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.), S.T.A.R. Center, Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
In comparison to last year, in December 2024 the Aquarium received a record number of sea turtles. By mid-December 2024, 576 cold-stunned sea turtles had been received at the Aquarium as temperatures on the Outer Banks fell dramatically last winter. From December 2024 through March 2025 the Aquarium received nearly 800 cold-stunned sea turtles.
Sea turtle patients have been treated at the Aquarium for assorted problems, not only cold-stunning, but also eye injuries, kidney failure, pneumonia, frostbite, infections, and injuries from boat strikes and ingested fishing hooks. When sea turtle patients are cleared by Aquarium veterinarians, the Aquarium releases recovered sea turtles back into their natural environment.
Participants involved provide multi-tiered support for sea turtles, including leading logistics, holding sea turtles in the clinic, providing care, and transporting turtles throughout the facility. They provide land and sea transportation for turtle rescues and releases, run laundry, prepare veterinary supplies and salt water, assist with intakes and swim tests, and share updates with stakeholders.
Sea turtles that appear still or sluggish in the sound water or on a beach during winter months should not be pushed back into the water or moved. Instead, a sea turtle that appears to be in distress should be reported to the Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline via N.E.S.T. (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles) at 252-441-8622.
