CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) – Twelve critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were airlifted to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for care on Friday.
The juvenile turtles were all severely affected by the cold-water temperatures in New England and were cold-stunned.
The New England Aquarium transported 46 cold-stunned turtle by private jet to Tampa.
The pilots were Philip Greenspun and Tom Cooper, both of Massachusetts.
Greenspun and Cooper volunteer their time, planes and fuel for the cause.
They are part of the Turtles Fly, Too organization, which coordinates volunteer pilots to fly turtles for rehabilitation.
Four rehabilitation facilities will assist in the recovery of the turtles.
The turtles are named after Santa, his reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and an elf.
Guests are able to visit the turtles at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON RIGHT NOW: