19 Rescued Sea Turtles Released Off the Coast of Florida

Published March 31, 2025

After 13 weeks of critical rehabilitation at our Wonders of Wildlife Sea Turtle Center, we are thrilled to share a heartwarming milestone: 19 rescued sea turtles have returned to their home in the ocean! On March 26th, our team successfully released them off the shores of Little Talbot Island State Park near Jacksonville, Florida, marking the end of their recovery journey at WOW and the beginning of their next adventure in the wild.   
 
These turtles first arrived at WOW on December 21^st, 2024, after being found cold-stunned along the shores of New England. This past winter season saw over 400 sea turtles stranded due to severe cold-stunning events — one of the highest numbers recorded in recent years. When ocean temperatures drop rapidly, sea turtles become lethargic and unable to swim or forage, leading to life-threatening stranding events. Without intervention, many would not survive.   

Thankfully, through a partnership with the New England Aquarium and Turtles Fly Too, a non-profit specializing in the emergency transport of endangered sea turtles, these 12 loggerheads and seven Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were flown to WOW for critical, life-saving care.   
 
Upon arrival, our veterinary and animal care teams immediately began intensive treatments, including fluid therapy, antibiotics, and round-the-clock monitoring to stabilize their condition. Many of these turtles arrived with severe complications, requiring weeks of expert care to regain their strength.   
 
Rehabilitating sea turtles is an enormous effort, and we are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our veterinary technicians, animal care staff, and life support specialists who worked tirelessly to ensure their recovery.   
 

“This rescue effort is a powerful example of why conservation work is so important,” said Mike Daniel, WOW’s Director of Animal Care. “Cold-stunning events are becoming more frequent, and without intervention, hundreds of sea turtles wouldn’t survive. Every turtle we save plays a role in protecting the future of these endangered species.”   
 
Since launching our sea turtle rehabilitation program in 2020, WOW has successfully rehabilitated and released more than 64 sea turtles. Each rescue is a testament to the impact of conservation partnerships and the dedication of our team.   
 
This effort would not have been possible without our valued partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Turtles Fly Too, the New England Aquarium and you — our dedicated members and conservation supporters. Your support directly funds our critical rescue and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring we can continue protecting sea turtles and wildlife for generations to come.