The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center has welcomed six endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles from Massachusetts.

These six turtles began their journey to Apollo Beach after being rescued from the frigid waters off the Massachusetts coast. According to the Florida Aquarium, the turtles are now receiving life-saving care after being incapacitated by cold-stunning.

The National Marine Life Center and the New England Aquarium in Massachusetts rescued and triaged a total of 33 turtles suffering from dangerously low body temperatures. To ensure these sea turtles receive the care they need, they have been flown to different facilities across the country, including the Florida Aquarium, centers in Georgia, and Orlando.

The nonprofit organization Turtles Fly Too transported the six sea turtles to Tampa International Airport, where they were handed over to the Florida Aquarium’s expert sea turtle biologists, according to the Florida Aquarium.

Cold-stunning occurs when sea turtles in the Northeast are exposed to cold water temperatures for extended periods, leading to immobility and other life-threatening conditions. These turtles are often found floating or stranded on beaches and may have additional medical issues.

The Florida Aquarium is dedicated to rehabilitating these cold-stunned sea turtles, giving them a chance to recover and eventually return to their natural habitats.

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(Image credit: The Florida Aquarium)