NJ Turtle Rescue Sees Heartwarming Milestone Amid Coronavirus – West Orange, NJ Patch

WEST ORANGE, NJ — They come to Sea Turtle Recovery freezing, traumatized and often at death’s doorstep. But thanks to the efforts of a nonprofit rehabilitation center at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 50 sea turtles have now returned to the ocean to roam free after being found “cold-stunned” in New Jersey.

It’s an encouraging milestone for Sea Turtle Recovery, which works out of a facility at the zoo in West Orange and often releases animals at the Jersey shore. But the nonprofit’s staff will not have time to rest — it’s their busy season, and more animals need saving.

“This November, we’re preparing to have more than 20 threatened and endangered sea turtles arrive at our hospital cold-stunned and barely clinging to life,” co-executive officer Bill Deerr said.

What’s cold-stunning, and why is it dangerous to turtles? According to Deerr, the phenomenon occurs when sea turtles fail to migrate before water and air temperatures drop dangerously low. It can be devastating to the animals; last year from Nov. 13 to 21, staff saved 13 turtles that were found floating, on beaches or stranded in New Jersey’s back bays.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center worked with Sea Turtle Recovery to retrieve the sea turtles and bring them to Sea Turtle Recovery’s hospital. It was a group effort that continued night and day, but rescuers are afraid this year may be the worst yet, Deerr said.

“Last year we had record-setting numbers of live green sea turtles,” Deerr continued. “Based on nesting cycles, it’s predicted that there are more juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtles also foraging along our coast this year. If cold ocean currents move south before these sea turtles migrate, it will be devastating.”

Come across a potentially injured sea turtle that you want to help? Here’s what to do, Deerr said:

“Sea Turtle Recovery is asking anyone living along or utilizing New Jersey’s ocean front and bays this fall to report any sea turtle (dead or live) to the NOAA hotline at 866-755-NOAA, or they can call MMSC at 609-266-0538. They ask that the turtles not be warmed, as it can lead to shock. Report the turtle first to receive proper instructions on how to prevent further injury. Upon receiving the sea turtles, STR will begin life saving measures and treatments.”

Like many others, the nonprofit has been struggling to adapt amid the coronavirus pandemic. Its board of directors has placed it under an “emergency operations” declaration, and staff have been focusing their energies on patient care. Meanwhile, all nonessential activities — including fundraising, volunteering and education programs — have been suspended.

The group is hoping that a charity event Oct. 17 can help pick up the slack, however. (Learn more here)

“The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is hopeful the event will be a big boost to Sea Turtle Recovery prior to their busy season,” County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“Endangered sea turtles need our protection,” DiVincenzo added.