The Institute for Marine Mammal Services (IMMS) has been given dozens of cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles in need of long-term rehabilitation care for the fourth year in a row.
The IMMS received 30 turtles on Tuesday from partners in the northeast region of the nation, with staff members immediately processing the new turtles upon arrival.
Initial exams include visual examination, measurements, weight, radiographs, bloodwork, and ultrasounds on each turtle.
The turtles’ care will continue into the following weeks and months with the goal of ultimately releasing the turtles back into the wild. Daily care will include feeding the turtles, cleaning tanks, and providing medical care to the animals.
“The ultimate goal is to release all of these turtles into the Mississippi Sound once they have completed treatment,” Dr. Moby Solangi, President and CEO of IMMS, stated.
Prior to arriving in Mississippi, the 30 turtles were first treated at the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. Team members have since set up stations in IMMS’ Veterinary Hospital to expedite each animal’s exam and paperwork.
Earlier this year, IMMS was approached by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assist in rehabilitating sea turtles that are cold-stunned during the early winter months in Massachusetts.
According to the IMMS, the cold-blooded animals’ body temperatures decrease when local water temperatures drop, leaving hundreds of cold-stunned turtles to wash up around Cape Cod every year.
