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Hull Aquarists Brave Arctic Cold for Sea Turtle Rescue
11 Jan
Summary
- Aquarists traveled to the US to help rescue cold-stunned sea turtles.
- Volunteers worked in extreme temperatures as low as -25C to save stranded turtles.
- The conservation project has a survival rate of 80-90% for rescued creatures.
Two dedicated aquarists from The Deep aquarium in Hull, UK, recently journeyed to the United States to participate in a vital conservation mission. Their efforts focused on rescuing critically endangered sea turtles along their migration routes, particularly those affected by "cold-stunning" in the waters off Cape Cod. This annual event sees turtles become incapacitated by sudden temperature drops as they travel south.
The volunteers, Shoshana Levine and Gavin Clarke, endured extreme conditions, working in temperatures as low as -25C (-13F). They navigated miles of beaches to find and rescue stranded turtles, including vulnerable species like Kemp's ridley, leatherback, green, and loggerhead turtles. These creatures often arrive at the rescue center without a heartbeat but can make full recoveries.
This collaborative conservation project, now in its seventh year, involves several international aquarium partners. The rescue center reports a remarkable 80-90% survival rate for the treated turtles, with over 470 creatures having received care. The initiative highlights a global network of organizations united by the common goal of ensuring the health and release of these magnificent marine animals.
