SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — As temperatures continued to drop over the weekend, hundreds of sea turtles in the Laguna Madre area became in danger of cold-stunning.
Bundles of cold-stunned sea turtles have been arriving to Sea Turtle, Inc. since Saturday night to recover from hypothermia.
So far, the facility has rescued at least 142 cold-stunned sea turtles from the frigid waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and surrounding areas.
On Monday, the facility announced that it had been without power for several hours and exhausted its heating resources.
The facility is seeking help from individuals and businesses with available generators to help provide warmth to the sea turtles.
Sea Turtle, Inc. personnel said any assistance of extra generators is greatly appreciated.
Those with available generators are asked to take them to the facility, which is located at 6617 Padre Blvd. on South Padre Island.
Additionally, Sea Turtle, Inc. personnel were in need of volunteers with 4×4 vehicles to assist them in search and rescue at Boca Chica Beach on Monday.
Sea Turtle, Inc. personnel said Captain Henry from Henry’s Charters helped rescue more than 100 turtles on Sunday by volunteering to take Sea Turtle, Inc.’s volunteers out on the water.
“Selfless acts like Captain Henry’s reminds us of the wonderful and dedicated community we are lucky enough to be a part of,” Sea Turtle, Inc. Executive Director Wendy Knight said.
Those who come across a stranded sea turtle in the Laguna Madre Bay or on the beach are asked to call Sea Turtle, Inc. immediately to its 24/7 emergency line at (956) 243-4361.
Facility personnel will guide callers through on what to do next.
Sea Turtle, Inc. personnel is asking the public to consider helping the facility offset the tremendous cost of treating these patients by making a donation.
Donations can be made via PayPal at https://tinyurl.com/my5b2eq2 or by visiting Sea Turtle, Inc.’s Facebook page.
