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Turtles Rescued from Cold Seas Arrive in Pittsburgh
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Dozens of sea turtles, cold-stunned and injured, were rescued from New England waters.
- Pittsburgh Zoo is rehabilitating Kemp's ridley sea turtles with pneumonia and wounds.
- The zoo's Sea Turtle Second Chance Program aids injured marine life.
A dozen Kemp's ridley sea turtles, rescued from the frigid waters along the Massachusetts coast, are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. These marine creatures were found stranded, suffering from cold-stun which left them lethargic and unable to swim, a condition exacerbated by pneumonia and other injuries.
The turtles arrived at the zoo on December 3rd from the New England Aquarium. Among them is a turtle missing an eye, which is healing well. This rescue effort is part of the Pittsburgh Zoo's ongoing Sea Turtle Second Chance Program, which has a decade-long history of rehabilitating and releasing sea turtles back into their natural habitat.
Hundreds of sea turtles face injury, disease, or environmental threats annually. The Pittsburgh Zoo provides these vulnerable animals with a specialized diet and critical physical therapy. Visitors can observe these recovering turtles in the upper aquarium, offering a glimpse into conservation efforts.
