There are seven species of sea turtles throughout the entire world. All of them are either threatened or endangered. With the help of our donors, Greater Good Charities is striving to save them before it’s too late.
How the Cold Creates a Crisis
Throughout their lives, sea turtles will travel thousands of miles. They move between foraging and nesting grounds, from cold waters to warm waters. But these journeys can quickly turn treacherous.
Ocean temperatures are rising. As a result, sea turtles are traveling farther north in the summer, making it less likely they’ll be able to complete their migration south before winter arrives.
Crossing that distance in time is a matter of life and death. Once the water temperature drops below 50 degrees, sea turtles can experience cold-stunning.
Cold-stunning is a deadly condition for sea turtles. It causes extreme lethargy that affects their circulation, organ functions, and immune system––and hundreds of turtles can be stunned in one area, stranded in the cold, vulnerable to predators, and at risk of dying unless they’re given proper care.
Saving Sea Turtles Through Innovative Solutions
Most aquariums and rehabilitation centers don’t have the resources or space to care for all of the cold-stunned turtles. They also must wait until water temperatures warm up enough to release the turtles. In the north, this could take months—time that cold-stunned turtles can’t afford.
With the help of our generous supporters, Greater Good Charities has stepped up to airlift 174 sea turtles to warmer waters where they could receive medical treatment. These flights are crucial to rehabilitate and release turtles as quickly as possible, saving their lives and ensuring that they can give birth to the next generation.
All seven species of sea turtles are threatened or endangered—but it’s not too late to turn the tides.
