Posted on June 26, 2012 at 8:24 AM
NEWPORT, Ore. -- The Oregon Coast Aquarium is treating a hypothermic sea turtle in hopes it can be released eventually.
The Green sea turtle was found a week ago at Moolack Beach, north of Newport. Workers think it got stranded in a pocket of warm water that dissipated. When the water turned cold, the turtle went into a hibernation-like state.
The turtle's usual temperature would be close to that of its habitat, 72-82 degrees. The stranded turtle registered 58.
Workers are flushing its abdominal cavity with water to hydrate it. Once it warms up, the turtle will get antibiotics and perhaps a trip to a warm-water rehab facility.
The aquarium says it's unknown whether the turtle is more seriously injured because X-rays don't penetrate their shells.
The Endangered Species Act protects sea turtles.
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