Wildlife officials warn this sea-turtle rescue effort could just be getting started along the coast of Corpus Christi, Texas.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As South Texas braces for another night of brutal cold, the impact is already being felt along the coast and in the water.
At Padre Island National Seashore, plunging water temperatures are leaving green sea turtles cold-stunned and helpless. Wildlife officials warn this could be just the beginning as temperatures continue to drop.
Rescue crews with the National Park Service and other federal agencies have been pulling turtles from the Laguna Madre as water temperatures dip below 50 degrees. The sudden cold overwhelms the reptiles, leaving them hypothermic and unable to swim or respond.
“When they come in, they are stunned. They’re not moving,” said Dr. Tim Tristan, a veterinarian treating the turtles. “They’re ectothermic, so they’re the same temperature as their environment.”
At the Sea Life Center on Padre Island, more than a dozen turtles are already undergoing treatment. Some were already dealing with injuries or medical issues, making survival in frigid water even more difficult.
“One in particular has growth on his shell that suggests previous injury,” Dr. Tristan said. “That can happen when turtles spend more time near the surface due to medical problems.”
Across the bay, the Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center has activated its emergency operations plan. Staff are preparing for a possible surge as conditions worsen overnight.
“It’s all hands on deck,” said Jesse Gilbert, CEO of the Texas State Aquarium. “This is a very choreographed plan, and this year we’re more prepared than ever.”
The rescue center has multiple holding tanks ready, including a heated 100,000-gallon tank. Officials say the facility can care for up to 6,000 turtles if needed.
How severe this cold-stunning event becomes remains uncertain. But, rescue teams say they’re ready for whatever washes in next.