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Green sea turtle. Credit: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

Sea turtles rescued from hypothermia in the Florida Keys

The affected turtles are juvenile green turtles experiencing "cold stunning," a hypothermic reaction triggered when they are exposed to cold water

Eight sea turtles are recovering at the Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys after being found suffering from hypothermic symptoms due to cold temperatures in Upper Keys waters.

According to the hospital, the affected turtles are juvenile green turtles experiencing "cold stunning," a hypothermic reaction triggered when they are exposed to cold water for extended periods.

"We're used to receiving cold-stunned turtles from New England, but it's very rare to get a cold-stunned turtle from the warm waters in the Florida Keys," said Bette Zirkelbach, the manager of the Turtle Hospital.



She explained that turtles experience cold stunning when water temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and any temperature below 50 degrees can even prove fatal.

READ MORE HERE

Save-A-Turtle was delighted to participate in the 22nd Annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo, a Florida Keys tradition hosted by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce. With more than 100 vendors, family-friendly activities, and a strong focus on boating and ocean-based lifestyles, the Expo brought together a vibrant community of locals, visitors, and marine enthusiasts.

The event provided a wonderful opportunity for Save-A-Turtle to connect with attendees, share our mission, and engage in meaningful conversations about sea turtle protection and marine stewardship. We were encouraged by the enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and genuine interest shown by so many people throughout the weekend.

We are grateful to the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a well-organized and impactful event, and we truly enjoyed being part of this long-standing community celebration. Events like the Nautical Expo remind us how powerful outreach and education can be when a community comes together to celebrate and protect our coastal environment.

Boat strikes are a leading cause of injury to dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles—but many are preventable. By staying alert and slowing down, boaters can help protect the wildlife that makes our waters so special.

Simple steps make a big difference:

• Watch Ahead: Keep an eye out for surfacing wildlife.
• Slow Down: Follow no-wake and slow-speed zones.
• Report Injuries: Call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) if you see an injured or stranded animal.

Every responsible choice on the water helps keep marine life safe—today and for generations to come. 🌊🐢

Outreach poster developed by NOAA Fisheries and the Hawai'i Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation

Save-A-Turtle Board Meeting

(meeting link is static and good for each monthly meeting)

Monday, February 9, 2026

6:30 - 8:30PM

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 829 7023 2616

Passcode: 210787

One tap mobile

+13052241968,,82970232616#,,,,*210787# US

+16469313860,,82970232616#,,,,*210787# US

President: Dawn Bowles

Vice President: Heather Skelley

Treasurer: Jill Reilly

Secretary: Brenis Hill

Board Member: Harry Appel

Board Member: Jennifer DeMaria

Board Member: Chelsea Oatman

Technical Advisor: Sue Schaf

If sea turtles inspire you as much as they inspire us, we’d love to stay connected. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for turtle facts, simple ways to help the environment, and behind-the-scenes looks at our conservation work.



You can also support our mission by visiting the Save-A-Turtle Online Store.

Together, we can make a lasting difference for sea turtles and the oceans they call home. 💙🐢

10 Tremendous Turtle Facts