Connecticut Winter Wildlife Alert: Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles – What to Know

As winter settles in across Connecticut, wildlife emergencies don’t slow down — they just look a little different. One of the most misunderstood cold-weather rescue situations involves sea turtles, and it’s something our own wildlife correspondent, Jen the Zookeeper, knows firsthand.

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Jen was a volunteer marine mammal rescue responder with Mystic Aquarium, and she put together the following breakdown to explain what’s happening, why it matters, and what you should do if you ever encounter a turtle in distress.

Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles: A Winter Science Story in Connecticut

Sea turtles are ectothermic (cold-blooded), meaning their body temperature depends on the surrounding water. When ocean temperatures drop rapidly in late fall and winter — especially below about 50°F (10°C) — turtles can enter a state called cold-stunning. Their metabolism slows, heart and lung function are suppressed, and they become weak, disoriented, and unable to swim.

In New England waters, juvenile Kemp’s ridley and loggerhead turtles are most commonly affected. Wind, tides, and currents can then push these cold-stunned turtles onto beaches, where they may appear dead even though they are still alive and recoverable.

Rescue & Rehabilitation

In Connecticut, Mystic Aquarium is a key hub for sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Cold-stunned turtles are carefully warmed over time (never quickly), treated for secondary issues like pneumonia or dehydration, and rehabilitated for weeks or months before being released into warmer waters.

Read More: Connecticut's Best Places for Interactive Trails and Environmental Education 

Many winter turtle rescues in New England survive only because someone noticed them and reported them quickly.

What To Do If You See a Turtle

Do NOT touch it or put it back in the water.
Keep people and pets away.
Call Mystic Aquarium’s 24/7 Rescue Hotline:
860-572-5955 ext. 107

Our very own Jen the Zookeeper is a volunteer marine mammal rescue responder with Mystic Aquarium, so if you see a turtle in distress, you can also contact Jen to help ensure the situation is reported and handled correctly.

Cold-stunned turtles are a powerful reminder of how changing temperatures affect wildlife — and how a fast, informed human response can save an ancient mariner of the sea.

More on Jen the Zookeeper

Jen has spent more than 30 years immersed in the fields of animal care, conservation, and science education. As the former Director of Animal Care for the New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut, she oversaw the care of native mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey while educating the public about the important roles these wild neighbors play in our ecosystem. Her experience also includes time with both the Bronx Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo, where she focused on the care of African and Asian wildlife and helped teach visitors about the delicate balance between humans and natural habitats.

Later, while working at a wildlife sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, California, Jen played a key role in training and handling nearly 50 exotic species. She also developed educational programs for at-risk and foster youth, helping historically underserved kids build trust, confidence, and healing connections with the non-releasable animals at the sanctuary.

In addition to her extensive wildlife work, Jen has experience in horse and dog training, animal control, veterinary care, and all things conservation education. Today, she owns and operates Jen Kotkin Pet Care, where she provides personalized care, exercise, and enrichment for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and more.