(Source: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher)
(Source: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher)KURE BEACH, NC (WECT) – The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher has opened its doors to eight endangered sea turtles that traveled more than 800 miles to receive medical care.
According to the aquarium, the animals were injured in a mass cold-stunning event along the New England coast in December. More than 150 turtles were rescued after becoming ill from the prolonged exposure to cold water temperatures.
Snow and hazardous conditions delayed the turtles' journey to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher by more than a week.
"The Aquarium does not normally care for injured sea turtles," said Aquarium Director Peggy Sloan. "A wildlife rescue of this nature, however, requires a tremendous amount of team work. We gladly volunteered our expert staff and resources to do whatever is needed to save these animals."
According to the aquarium, the turtles receive daily medical care, including antibiotics, special diets and close monitoring. Employees expect the rehab period to take up to two months.
"Our goal is to care for these sea turtles, return them to good health and release them back to their natural habitat as soon as we can safely do so," said Aquarium Curator Hap Fatzinger.
Once the turtles are healthy they will be released into the warm waters of the Gulfstream.
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