Texas State Aquarium Rescues 332 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Amid South Texas Freeze
Emergency protocols activated as frigid temperatures endanger marine life

martin flores
Jan 30, 2026
Corpus Christi, TX — Over just three days, the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at the Texas State Aquarium rescued 332 cold-stunned green sea turtles after a sudden cold front chilled South Texas waters.
From January 26 to 28, the center’s emergency protocols sprang into action as temperatures plummeted, leaving sea turtles lethargic and at risk of serious health complications.
Working with partner organizations, teams braved the frigid conditions, rescuing turtles from local waters and transporting them in packed vehicles and trailers.
Each turtle received immediate assessment and care from the aquarium’s veterinary staff.
Some turtles were placed in warming rooms while others entered specialized stabilization systems to recover.
The aquarium is now working with NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the release strategy for these endangered animals.
This swift, coordinated effort highlights the region’s strong commitment to marine conservation and wildlife protection.
