Sea turtle rescued from the bitter cold.

On December 8, 2006, Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation rescued the season’s first cold-stunned (hypothermic) sea turtle. A resident of Sag Harbor, reported finding the 1-foot long sea turtle lying upside down at the high tide mark at a local beach in Noyack, Southampton. The turtle identified as an endangered Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) was reported to the Riverhead Foundation’s emergency 24-hour hotline (631) 369-9829. The rescue team arrived on scene to assess the sea turtle and immediately brought it back to the Riverhead Foundation’s hospital facility located at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium. Following an initial physical examination the sea turtle was listed in critical condition suffering from hypothermia. Weighing just over 9 pounds the debilitated sea turtle is estimated to be between 2-3 years of age. This sea turtle will continue to be closely monitored by staff members for the next several days and remain at the Riverhead Foundation’s facility for the next several months.

Cold-stunning (similar to hypothermia) is a condition that occurs when cold-blooded sea turtles are in water temperatures below 500 F. Since cold-stunning slows down the movements of inflicted sea turtles, many are initially reported dead but in fact, are just cold-stunned. The Riverhead Foundation encourages the public to immediately call in any sea turtles found to the emergency hotline number, (631) 369-9829.

Never place a sea turtle back into the water
Always call the hotline first and wait for a biologist’s instructions
Never begin warming the sea turtle without prior consult from experts as this may result in thermal shock

Three of the four sea turtle species known to inhabit New York waters during the summer and fall are threatened by this condition each year. All sea turtles must begin their migrations by late October or risk slowly freezing to death as water temperatures drop below 50º F.

The Riverhead Foundation needs your help now more than ever…So How Can You Help?

*Patrol the beaches for sick & injured marine mammals and sea turtles
*Report any sightings of healthy animals to (631) 369-9840 ext. 15 or sightings@riverheadfoundation.org
*Adopt a dolphin, whale, seal or sea turtle
*Make a donation (Monetary or In-Kind)
*Tell your friends & family

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization that operates the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program in New York State. Last year the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation rescued over 150 seals. In addition, we currently have two seals, one sea turtles and Ariel, one offshore bottlenose dolphin in our hospital! You can sponsor a marine mammal or sea turtle by calling 631-369-9840, and donating today. For information about the Riverhead Foundation, to adopt an animal or to become a member, please visit us on the web at www.riverheadfoundation.org, or call us at 631-369-9840.

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