Thirty‑five endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were cold‑stunned in November and washed ashore in New England. The New England Aquarium stabilized the animals and, with funding from Greater Good Charities, arranged a flight to Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans for extended rehabilitation. Care teams are providing individualized treatment and hope to release all turtles back into the Gulf in Spring 2026. If you find a stranded sea turtle in Louisiana, call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877‑942‑5343.
35 Endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles Rescued After Major Cold‑Stunning; Rehab Underway in New Orleans
Audubon Nature InstituteA cold-stunned sea turtle at Audubon Aquarium Rescue
Dozens of endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are receiving round‑the‑clock care at Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans after a large cold‑stunning event in November left 35 animals weakened and washed ashore in New England.
What Happened
According to Audubon Nature Institute, the November event left the turtles lethargic and disoriented. NOAA Fisheries describes cold‑stunning as what occurs when sea turtles are exposed to water below about 50°F: they lose the ability to regulate body temperature, become immobile, stop swimming and can be carried by wind and waves into hazardous areas. Affected turtles are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, pneumonia and other complications.
Audubon Nature InstituteA Kemp's ridley sea turtle
Rescue, Stabilization and Transfer
The New England Aquarium initially stabilized the 35 Kemp’s ridleys, treating animals that were dehydrated or battling pneumonia. When they were well enough to travel, Greater Good Charities funded a charter flight that brought the group to Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans — geographically closer to the turtles’ Gulf of Mexico habitat and long‑term care providers.
“Some of these turtles arrived in rough shape; they will need more extensive rehabilitation than others,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue’s stranding and rehab coordinator. “We are monitoring each of them constantly and are hopeful all 35 of these turtles will heal and return to the Gulf in the spring.”
Rehabilitation And Outlook
At Audubon Aquarium Rescue, staff provide individualized medical treatment, nutritional support and continuous monitoring to maximize each turtle’s chance of recovery. The facility aims to release the group back into Gulf waters in Spring 2026, when temperatures are suitable for the species.
Audubon Nature InstituteA sea turtle receiving care at Audubon Aquarium Rescue
Care teams have nicknamed the turtles after rocks and minerals to simplify record keeping and share progress updates — including a lighthearted “naughty and nice” list tracking each animal’s eating and recovery behavior.
How You Can Help
Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only organization in Louisiana authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rehabilitate sea turtles. If you find a stranded sea turtle in Louisiana — alive or dead — contact Audubon Aquarium Rescue immediately at 877‑942‑5343. Reporting stranding events helps responders reach animals quickly and improves outcomes.
All facts in this article are based on a Dec. 11 statement from Audubon Nature Institute and reporting from the New England Aquarium and NOAA Fisheries.
