‘Living their lives where they belong’: Four green sea turtles released in Georgia

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. — A group of green sea turtles left cold-stunned after last week’s cooler temperatures have finally made their way back to sea after volunteers helped nurse them back to health.

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On Friday, it was home at last for a group of green sea turtles, who made their way back to sea on St. Andrews Beach in Jekyll Island. They’d been in rehabilitation at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for the past week and a half.

“Luckily, with these guys, it was pretty quick,” said hospital technician Mikayla Siesto. “They didn’t have any secondary issues.”

She said people walking along the beach spotted the sea turtles, in different areas like St. Simon’s Island and Jekyll Island. They weren’t moving because they were left cold-stunned when the water temperature dropped to the low 50′s last week.

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“They depend on the external heat for their bodily functions, so when it goes down, they basically shut down,” explained Terry Norton, director of veterinary services and wildlife health at The Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

He pointed out that sea turtles need a water temperature of at least 57-60 degrees Fahrenheit to keep a healthy body temperature. Thanks to the rehab specialists, who carefully nursed them back to health, four out of six green sea turtles rescued are now home. The other two are still under observation and care.

“Mine zipped off right away. He was really ready to get back in the water,” said Lisa Slawinski, one of the rehab technicians who helped released the turtles.

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“They work really hard, and they’re a good team. So I’m really proud,” Norton said.

Overall, it’s the best outcome they could hope for, especially with their population making a comeback.

“Any one that we can get back to that population is a positive,” Siesto said. “It’s nice to know they’re out there living their lives where they belong.”

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