The recent cold weather snap wasn't just hard on Floridians who are used to mild winter weather—it affected our sea life, as well.

Mote Marine Laboratory is currently caring for three young, cold-stressed Florida manatees and 25 cold-stunned green sea turtles, which were transferred to Mote for care from Florida’s east coast. All of the animals are currently housed at Mote’s Sea Turtle and Manatee Rehabilitation Hospital, where they are receiving specialized care and ongoing monitoring as part of the rehabilitation process.

Cold stressing and stunning are potentially life-threatening conditions caused by sudden or prolonged drops in water temperature. Many marine animals rely on their surrounding environment to help regulate body temperature, and when water becomes too cold, their body functions can slow dramatically. Cold-stressed or stunned animals may become lethargic, disoriented, or unable to swim or forage effectively, leaving them vulnerable to predators, vessel strikes and other health complications like infections or pneumonia. Young animals, in particular, at higher risk due to their limited energy reserves, making rapid rescue and rehabilitative care critical during cold-weather events.

The three cold-stressed manatees were rescued directly from Bear Creek in Pinellas County. The first manatee, a young male, was rescued on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with the remaining two (a young female and young male) rescued on Thursday, Jan. 29. Florida Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Eckerd College Search and Rescue, Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park helped facilitate the rescues. 

The 25 cold-stunned green sea turtles, which came to Mote on Tuesday, Feb. 3, were transferred to Mote as part of a coordinated, statewide response to the cold front with assistance from FWC and the Conservation Team with Disney’s Animals.

Updates on the animals’ conditions will be shared in coordination with USFWS and FWC.