The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has rehabilitated and released 399 sea turtles with the aid of several long-standing community partnerships on the Outer Banks. The turtles were initially brought to the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center at the Aquarium because of cold-stunning, a hypothermia-like condition that occurs when the water temperature drops quickly before the sea turtles can migrate to warmer water.
More than 135 Aquarium staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to process intakes and provide care as 553 cold-stunned sea turtles were delivered to the Aquarium between Dec. 1-7, when temperatures on the Outer Banks fell dramatically.
The response, rescue, and transport of sea turtles during a cold-stun stranding event relies heavily on the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.) and their nearly 25-year partnership with the Aquarium. Throughout this stranding event, the Aquarium, STAR Center, and N.E.S.T. have collaborated with multiple organizations, including Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the Outer Banks S.P.C.A. and local veterinarian clinics, Phideaux Fishing vessel, and the U.S. Coast Guard Stations Hatteras Inlet and Fort Macon, Sector North Carolina. Additionally, an outpouring of support has been offered by local groups, individuals, the N.C. Aquarium Society, and partners from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
The hundreds of participants involved in this cold-stun event have provided multi-tiered support including leading logistics, holding sea turtles in the clinic, providing care, and transporting turtles throughout the facility. They provide land and sea transportation for turtle rescues and releases, run laundry, prepare veterinary supplies and salt water, assist with intakes and swim tests, and share updates with stakeholders. Additionally, a concerted effort from all parties has guaranteed the care of caretakers as well, by providing meals to participants and celebrating their time, energy, and commitment to saving sea turtles.
As of Dec. 17, the Aquarium has received 576 sea turtles which include N.C.’s most common species: loggerhead, green and Kemp’s ridley. The STAR Center is currently caring for approximately 71 animals. Releases are planned for additional dates in December.
Sea turtles that appear still or sluggish in the sound water or on a beach during winter months should not be pushed back into the water or moved. Instead, a sea turtle that appears to be in distress should be reported to the Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline via N.E.S.T. at 252-441-8622.
Sea turtles in North Carolina are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act and managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island operates under NCWRC Sea Turtle Permit #24ST46.
About the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, close to Ft. Raleigh National Historic Site, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission: ages 3–12, $10.95; ages 13–61, $12.95; ages 62 +, $11.95. Children 2 and under and North Carolina Aquarium Society members are admitted free of charge.
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.