Stranding Network Volunteers Overcome Unfavorable Conditions to Save Endangered Sea Turtles
by Raechel Kelly and Meagan Racey
On a cold day last December, volunteer Bill Allan scanned the Cape Cod beach in the early morning sunlight, searching for smooth flippers and scaly green shells. Focusing just beyond shore, his eyes settled on a lifeless sea turtle bobbing in the waves.
Without a second thought, Allan stripped to his underwear and plunged into the 40-degree ocean. As he waded through the chest-deep water, he noticed the turtle’s head slowly rise above the waves, giving Allan a sense of relief and hope.
Like many turtles rescued by Allan, this one suffered from cold stunning. This condition, similar to hypothermia in humans, leaves turtles disoriented and unable to migrate to warmer waters…
(read more: USFWS Endangered Species Bulletin)
(photo: New England Aquarium)
