Take a behind-the-scenes tour of sea turtle rehab at aquarium | Community Spirit

KURE BEACH, NC (WECT) – Five of 49 cold-stunned sea turtles rescued from North Carolina’s coast have been taken to the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher for treatment, according to an aquarium spokesperson.

The unusually cold weekend temperatures caused the turtles to become cold-stunned, and to help the public understand sea turtle conservation, the aquarium will be offering special behind-the-scenes turtle rehab hours this weekend.

For $5 per person (excluding aquarium admission), you can go on one of the following tours:

• Friday - 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
• Saturday - 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Sunday - 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The aquarium currently has 13 cold-stunned turtles in its care, eight of which were rescued from the New England coast and sent to the aquarium Jan. 1.

The turtles will be monitored by aquarium staff, treated for illness and injuries and released into the warm Gulfstream.

Sea turtles can’t control their body temperatures when they’re exposed to water below 50 degrees, causing them to become lethargic, have decreased circulation and heart rates and even die.

More than 123 cold-stunned sea turtles have been rescued since Dec. 23. Other facilities in the state, such as the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and the N.C. Aquarium at Roanoke Island, have also been caring for the turtles.

If you ever come across an injured or dead sea turtle, you’re asked to call (252) 241-7367.

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