MANTEO, N.C. – There is a good reason that 348 turtles are chilling out at The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island — the cold temperatures.
The aquarium received 349 cold-stunned sea turtles, said an aquarium spokesperson, WTKR reported. The water temperatures have been below average for this time of year, which is generally around 57 degrees. The coast was also hit with snow on Tuesday.
Unable to reach warmer waters, the turtles could no longer swim or function properly.
The turtles were brought in late Wednesday. One of the turtles died during transport leaving 348 turtles remaining.
The sea turtles are staying warm in every spot imaginable including the bathrooms of the aquarium, which is currently closed to the public.
Ninety-one turtles were expected to be loaded onto a truck and taken to Florida at some point.
The aquarium staff needs medical supplies and financial donations to care for the turtles.Donations can be made here.