12/22/2025 6 juvenile Kemp Ridley (LK) arrived to Mote from New England Aquarium. In the New England area, a cold weather event occurred which resulted in a drop in the ocean temperature. Many local sea turtles stranded and were classified as “cold stun” sea turtle patients. When these patients were physiologically stable for travel, they were transferred to Mote for additional rehabilitation and care, allowing more room for NEAQ to take in more cold stunned patients in their area.
The sea turtle’s were named Cooper, Cirelle, Vasy, Raddysh, Gourde and Hagel after TAmpa Bay Lightning players. Upon intake each turtle was weighed and given fluids. All tanks were set at low water and temperatures were set at 75 degrees F. All patients were able to breath on their own and none were drydocked.
1/13/2025 In the following days of intake, all had blood draws. This allows for a better understanding of their condition and needs. After a thorough evaluation by our veterinary staff, all sea turtles were placed on either oral or injectable antibiotics.
All Kemps have seen a considerable improvement. All but one are at full water and are eating on their own. A couple remain on oral antibiotics and one is receiving special daily treatments to help improve his condition.