Two dozen sea turtles rescued after washing up in Brevard County

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Two dozen sea turtles have washed up on shore in Brevard County as Tropical Storm Eta has been bringing wind and some rain to the area all day Monday.

The Brevard Zoo is now helping the so-called “wash back” turtles at the Sea Turtle Healing Center.

READ: Worth shell-ebrating: Brevard Zoo releases largest-ever sea turtle patient

Officials said 24 were brought in Monday and 30 on Sunday.

The staff said the turtles are dehydrated and hungry and need to rest. So they’re giving them everything they need to be strong enough to eventually be placed back offshore.

But volunteers said since they are washing up, if you see one, there are specific things to do and not to do.

READ: It’s sea turtle nesting season: Here are 9 ways you can help hatchlings survive

“What we try to ask everyone to do is don’t put them back in the water,” Sea Turtle Program Manager Shanon Gann said. “A lot of people think they’re doing a good deed by taking them, putting them back in the water. They’re too tired to actually swim and to do what turtles would be doing at this age. So what we asked them to do is go ahead and call here in Brevard County.”

Anyone who finds a sea turtle in need should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC, or Sea Turtle Preservation Society (in Brevard County only) at 321-206-0646 for instructions.