Double Loggerhead Sea Turtle Release – Alvin & Simon

A mass cold stun event occurred in early December 2016, off the coast of Massachusetts, which resulted in a large number of loggerhead and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles rescued by the New England Aquarium. Sea turtles are ectothermic, meaning they are “cold blooded” or that the external temperature helps to regulate their internal body functions. So, extreme drops in water temperature can drastically weaken a turtle and make it sick.

Transfer to Clearwater Marine Aquarium

New England Aquarium transferred a number of their incoming patients to other facilities in order to make room for the increasing patient load. Alvin and Simon were transferred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, along with Theodore (released April 5) via private jet. Both of them were treated for cold stun, given vitamins, antibiotics, and hydration; while Alvin was also treated with cold laser therapy for a wound on the underside of the jaw.

Alvin and Simon Cleared For Release

After 5 months of treatments and monitoring Alvin and Simon were cleared for release by our veterinarian and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). They were released May 17 at Canaveral National Seashore on the east coast of Florida.