INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Rescue efforts Wednesday produced about 38 more cold-stunned green sea turtles in Indian River County from north of Sebastian Inlet through Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and south to Round Island, Vero Beach, according to wildlife official Joanna Webb.
“We can all take a sigh of relief tonight,” she said late Wednesday. “The cooperation has been tremendous and due to warming temperatures and reduced cold-stunned turtles we are halting the rescue operation at the end of today.” A total of approximately 250 turtles were rescued in this local cooperative effort this week.
Official numbers and reports will be available at some point by the respective agencies and organizations.
“Thanks to everyone who called, emailed and offered assistance. It’s been a bittersweet experience for everyone,” Webb said.
The cold-weather affected turtles have been transported to a rehabilitation center to warm up before they are released again into the Indian River Lagoon.