NEWPORT – A 22-pound endangered green sea turtle rescued Saturday on Manzanita Beach died Monday after two days of round-the-clock care at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Despite its comparatively small head, the green sea turtle is the largest hard-shelled turtle on Earth and found worldwide. They can reach up to 350 pounds and are green due their herbivore diet. Females reach maturity at 25 to 30 years and they live as long as 70 years.
The turtle was named “Squirt” by the Seaside Aquarium staff that rescued it.
In announcing the turtle’s death Tuesday, the Oregon Coast Aquarium said that sea turtles often sustain damage before washing ashore. “While staff could confirm the turtle was lethargic and dehydrated, a necropsy will be conducted to gain insight on its internal condition,” the aquarium said.
Strandings are more common during the winter months when tumultuous ocean conditions are at their peak, the aquarium said. “As marine reptiles, sea turtles rely on their surroundings for warmth,” the statement said. “When exposed to cold temperatures, these animals become inactive and cannot eat or swim effectively—a condition known as “cold-stunning.”
On Saturday, Seaside Aquarium staff said during its rescue the turtle “was very active, moving her head up and down and when picked up would move her flippers as if she was swimming.”
People should not attempt to move a sea turtle if they find one on the beach. A sea turtle placed back into the water can only wash ashore again, increasing its risk of injury and delaying potential rescue efforts, the aquarium warned. Instead, remain nearby to observe it, and contact the Oregon State Police
Tipline at 800-452-7888 or the Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Oregon, Washington, and California at 1-866-767-6114.
