Throughout the winter, the NC Aquariums help rehabilitate and release sea turtles who are affected by the cold. The number of turtles brought in each year varies from as few as 35 to as many as 600! This season is a busy one. So far, the Aquariums have received more than 200 turtles. At Roanoke Island, turtles are typically found and rescued from Avon to Ocracoke on the sound side, with a few coming from the ocean side. Pine Knoll Shores cares for turtles found in area waters and some that are flown in from New England!
The rehabilitation process begins after being rescued and brought to one of the Aquariums. Staff assess the turtle’s conditions and create a treatment plan for each turtle. Once the sea turtles are healthy enough to thrive on their own, they’re released with the help of various partners. Many turtles are taken by boat back to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.
