ATLANTA (May 3, 2025) – This spring, Georgia Aquarium celebrated a milestone in sea turtle conservation – the release of eight rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles into the Atlantic Ocean, just off the shores of Jekyll Island.
These turtles’ journey began in early December 2024, when they were found cold-stunned in the icy waters off Cape Cod. Like all sea turtle species, loggerheads are cold-blooded and rely on warm ocean temperatures. When the water drops too quickly, they can become hypothermic, weak, and unable to swim – a life-threatening condition called cold-stunning.
The turtles received the initial round of life-saving care at the New England Aquarium (NEAQ) before being transported to Georgia Aquarium’s off-site animal care facility in mid-December. Their cross-country trip was made possible thanks to the incredible volunteer pilots from Turtles Fly Too, who routinely transport sea turtles to warmer waters and second-stage care facilities nationwide. The trip itself is a remarkable story of teamwork and just the beginning of their road to recovery.
Why Loggerheads? Why Georgia Aquarium?
Loggerhead sea turtles are one of the largest species of sea turtle. Because of their size and strength, not every facility can accommodate them. Georgia Aquarium’s off-site animal care facility is one of only a few U.S. facilities with the specialized space and expertise to care for these endangered giants. The facility is uniquely equipped to give them the room, warmth, and expert veterinary attention needed to heal. The Aquarium’s aquatic sustainability team cared for them with feedings, monitoring their health, and additional animal care support for the entirety of their stay at the off-site facility.
Over the past five years, Georgia Aquarium has taken in a total of 44 cold-stunned sea turtles – each one a step toward protecting this species, which is endangered in the United States.
Upon arrival, the turtles were carefully assessed and treated for various cold-stunning complications, including pneumonia. Each turtle responded quickly to care, regained strength, and began eating well – signs of a hopeful outcome. While each loggerhead had its own story, their resilience was a common thread.
Ready to be Released
After being cleared by our veterinary staff, the turtles were prepped for release. Before their big return to the ocean, all eight were fitted with flipper tags to help identify them if they are reencountered. Two turtles, affectionately named Poblano and Bell, were also equipped with satellite tracking devices. These tags will provide valuable data on their movements and help scientists better understand the migratory patterns of this species.
At the end of March, with the support of our longtime partners at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), our aquatic sustainability team – including Mark Olsen, Polly Strott, and Stephanie Salter – traveled to Great Dunes Beach on Jekyll Island to witness the turtles’ long-awaited return to the Atlantic.
The day of the release brought clear skies and a brisk ocean breeze. While the windy conditions meant the team couldn’t release from the boat, it made for a beautiful, shoreline send-off. “Watching them swim away never gets old,” shared Mark Olsen, associate curator of aquatic sustainability at Georgia Aquarium. “It’s a reminder of why we do this work and how far these animals have come.”
How You Can Help
Like many sea turtle species, loggerhead sea turtles face numerous threats in the wild, from climate change to habitat loss and marine debris. Each turtle we rescue and release plays a role in restoring balance to our marine ecosystems, and every success story is a testament to what we can achieve together.
Fortunately, the U.S. has a strong network of government agencies, organizations, and volunteers that work together during cold-stunning events. This network not only plans for these emergencies in advance but also uses alert systems to mobilize people to search for and assist stranded turtles.
You can help protect sea turtles year-round:
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- Join a beach cleanup in your area.
- Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or Georgia Aquarium to learn more about ongoing research and conservation efforts.
- Spread the word! Share what you’ve learned and encourage others to get involved.
Learn more about how you can contribute to Georgia Aquarium’s conservation mission at georgiaaquarium.org.
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Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world with more than 11 million gallons of water and tens of thousands of animals. Located in Atlanta, Ga., it is a premier animal care and research facility that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Attractions, Humane Certified by American Humane, and a Class R research institution certified by the USDA. By providing guests with unparalleled opportunities to learn about marine life, Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to unlocking the ocean’s wonder for all, providing transformative experiences that inspire a shared responsibility for conserving our aquatic ecosystems.
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