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Marine Science Center set to release cold-stunned sea turtles More than 70 sea turtles, ranging in size from two pounds to 200 pounds, have been admitted to the critical care unit of the Marine Science Center (MSC). Twenty-two juvenile to adult green sea turtles and one sub-adult loggerhead were admitted on Monday Jan.11. Ten juvenile and sub-adult green sea turtles were admitted Tuesday, Jan. 12. The additional sea turtles have required that the rehab area expand into the exhibit gallery. On Jan.10, twelve sea turtles were transported to a FWC holding area where they were kept in water until the lagoon system warms to releasable temperatures. Another 18 were transported Wednesday to Juno Beach, FL for release. More than 30 sea turtles from the cold stun event are still being cared for at the MSC. Nine sea birds were released today. “The special care needed for cold-stun sea turtles, such as a warm, temperature-controlled room, has required the expansion of our rehab care area into a portion of the exhibit gallery,” said Ray Davis, MSC manager. “The sea turtles are able to be seen by the public visiting our facility.” With the ocean, river and lagoon water temperatures dropping along the United States Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Volusia County Marine Science Center (MSC) rehabilitation specialists continue to experience an influx of threatened and endangered sea turtles that become paralyzed by the cold. An increase in cold-affected sea birds is under way as well. The MSC is part of a “stranding network” of facilities that accept and rehabilitate stranded sea turtles and seabirds. Today, from the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon systems in Brevard County, Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) has rescued more than a thousand cold stunned sea turtles. Efforts are ongoing to rescue and triage the sea turtles then transport for rehabilitation. So far, 71 live sea turtles in critical condition were transported to the MSC to begin intensive care. More than 160 birds have been admitted to the Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Center at the MSC in the last month. “In the first six days of 2010, 30 birds have been brought to the MSC,” said Rachelle LeBlanc, bird rehabilitation specialist. “Last year, 16 birds came in during the same time period. We have received a wide variety of birds, including 12 brown pelicans, four northern gannets, three laughing gulls and two common loons.” Most of birds admitted last week from the cold were emaciated and lethargic and still need some time in the clinic to gain weight and strength. As temperatures warm, some of the rehabbed seabirds are ready for release. “When the sea turtles arrive a thorough health assessment is conducted. Besides slow warming, treatment can include warm fluids and medications,” said Michelle Bauer, MSC sea turtle rehabilitation specialist. For this event, the MSC is accepting the critical care sea turtles such as those with serious respiratory problems and wounds. If you find an injured sea turtle or sea bird: “Sea turtles aren’t seen on the beach at this time of year,” said Bauer. “If you see one, it’s most likely in trouble.” LeBlanc added that any bird that can be approached within a few feet and seem lethargic most likely is in trouble. If unfamiliar with the species of the bird and its defense mechanisms, she suggests leaving the bird alone and calling for help before attempting to rescue. MSC seabird clinic staff can be contacted at (386) 304-5530. If you see an injured or sickened sea turtle or bird, please call the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) at (888) 404-FWCC (3922) or the Volusia County Beach Patrol (386) 239-6484 or (386) 756-7491. Do not put them in a warm place or car. People should not try to warm the turtles because it can send them into advanced shock. |
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