Audubon Aquarium Rescue is caring for 35 critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles that had been stranded alongside the New England coast after a extreme chilly spell final month.

The turtles, the world’s most endangered sea turtle species, had been discovered affected by dehydration, pneumonia, and publicity to frigid temperatures.

The turtles had been initially stabilized by the New England Aquarium earlier than being transported to New Orleans by way of a specifically chartered flight coordinated by Higher Good Charities. Upon arrival, Audubon’s rescue group performed thorough bodily assessments, evaluating every turtle’s swimming capacity and general well being. Some had been discovered to have buoyancy points requiring tailor-made rehabilitation plans.

“A few of these turtles arrived in tough form, they’ll want extra intensive rehabilitation than others,” mentioned Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehab Coordinator. “We’re monitoring every of them consistently and are hopeful all 35 of those turtles will heal and return to the Gulf within the spring.”

The turtles will stay beneath Audubon’s care till Gulf waters heat sufficiently for protected launch. In a lighthearted twist, the group has named the turtles after rocks and minerals to trace their progress, making a “naughty” and “good” listing for the vacation season. For instance, “Jade” has began consuming independently, whereas “Mica” has resisted care. Different names embrace Opalite, Pebble, Aquamarine, Onyx, Quartz, and Coal.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is allowed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rehabilitate sea turtles and by the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for marine mammals. It’s the solely group in Louisiana chargeable for rehabilitating stay sea turtles and marine mammals.

Members of the general public who encounter stranded marine mammals or sea turtles, alive or deceased, are inspired to contact Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.