
Galveston was the scene of a heartwarming environmental effort as local researchers and wildlife organizations successfully rehabilitated and released over 40 green sea turtles back into their ocean home, following a dramatic rescue operation spurred by a recent dip in temperatures. The release took place at Stewart Beach, where the community showed up in droves to witness the turtles' return to the Gulf of Mexico, as reported by Chron.
The cold snap, with water temperatures plummeting below 50°, rendered these reptiles helpless and in urgent need of intervention. "When we have a bunch like this, people want to see them," Dr. Christopher Marshall, Director of the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, told Chron, emphasizing the relative success of the rescue efforts where the majority of the affected turtles survived, albeit, three did not. The strategic release was timed to tap into the warmest surf temperatures expected for the week, buying the turtles time to reach safer, warmer waters before the next arctic onslaught.
Despite looming concerns about the risk of another cold-weather event, officials confirmed that the turtles would be safe in the warmer waters of the Gulf and thus, they won't face the immediate threat of being cold-stunned again. "Today is the warmest day of the week and it's the warmest surf temperature of the week," explained Marshall in a statement obtained by Chron. The released turtles predominantly came from shallow bays in the region, known for quick temperature drops that can trap the turtles before they have a chance to escape to the Gulf. A concerted effort by the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, along with an army of 150 volunteers, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and partners like the Houston Zoo and Galveston Island Park Board, made the rescue and release possible.
As the area braces for more chilling weather, the operational task force remains vigilant, ready to mobilize at the first sign of turtles in distress. The recent release also serves a dual purpose by freeing up much-needed space for potentially new patients. If a cold-stunned turtle is spotted, residents are urged to contact the Texas statewide hotline 1-866-TURTLE-5 to ensure timely recovery and care, as noted by KHOU.