Patient story
Meet Glinda
Discover how your support helps turtles like Glinda return home
Patient Info
SPECIES
Kemp’s Ridley
aGE
5-10 Years
wEIGHT
7.5 lbs
DATE ARRIVED
12/9/2025
ISSUE
Cold Stunned
the story
About Glinda
Glinda is a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, the rarest sea turtle species in the world. Glinda was rescued after becoming cold-stunned when ocean temperatures dropped rapidly off Cape Cod, leaving Glinda weak and unable to swim.
Rescue
Glinda was rescued from the beach in Cape Cod Massachusetts. Glinda was found washed ashore due to cold stunning. Hundreds of turtles are found like this in New England during the early winter months. These turtles are numbered in order to keep track of them during the triage process – #464. Glinda was flown to us for further care. Learn more about cold stunning here Mass Audubon.
Diagnose
Upon intake, Glinda was examined for cold-stunning related external and internal issues. Radiographs revealed lung congestion and bloodwork showed an elevated white cell count.
Care
Glinda received medications for the systemic infection and we closely monitored the progress of the congested lungs. Luckily the congestion did not develop into pneumonia.
Fun Fact
Rescued cold stunned turtles are flown from New England to us in banana boxes. They are tucked in with towels and hand warmers to keep them comfortable during their flight.
Released!
January 27, 2026
Glinda made a full recovery and was released back into the Atlantic Ocean on January 27, 2026!