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Cold-Stunned Loggerhead Turtles Prepare for Release After Seven-Month Rehabilitation
By Drooid · · How we work
Loggerheads Recover After Cold-Stunning
A loggerhead turtle mistakenly identified as debris on Dunwich beach in Suffolk in February was rescued and taken to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). Named Betty, she was transferred to the Hunstanton Sea Life Centre in Norfolk, where she joined a second loggerhead, Olive, who has been under care since December. Both turtles have completed a seven-month recovery program and are slated for release in the Azores later this month.
Cold-Stunning Explained
Cold-stunning occurs when sudden drops in water temperature cause turtles to become lethargic, reducing circulation and potentially leading to fatal outcomes. The condition is a recognized risk for marine turtles in temperate coastal waters during storms and rapid cooling events.
Recovery Timeline and Upcoming Release
- February – Betty is found on Dunwich beach and reported to BDMLR.
- December – Olive arrives at Hunstanton Sea Life Centre.
- Seven months – Both turtles receive rehabilitation, including warming treatments and medical monitoring.
- Later this month – The centre plans to transport Betty and Olive to the Azores for their final release back into the wild.
Official Response
Katie Robertson, display supervisor at Hunstanton Sea Life Centre, emphasized the emotional significance of the upcoming release for the staff who have cared for the turtles throughout their recovery.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The moment they finally get released is going to be an emotional time for us.” — Katie Robertson