350-Pound Turtle Found On Cape Dies Despite Rescue Efforts

TRURO, MA — Despite efforts to rescue a 350-pound loggerhead turtles that washed up on a Truro beach suffering from hypothermia-like symptoms, the rare sea turtle died.

The turtle was found Friday, and members of the Mass Audubon Society and Truro's Public Works Department took it to the New England Aquarium's sea turtle hospital in Quincy for treatment. But on Tuesday night, the aquarium shared the news of its death on Facebook.

"We are sorry to share news of the death of the 350-pound loggerhead sea turtle rescued from Cape Cod on Friday," aquarium officials sad in a statement. "The adult male loggerhead stranded on a beach in Truro, a rare occurrence for our area so early in the season and indicative of underlying health issues."

Aquarium officials said when the turtle arrived at the hospital, it was minimally responsive and wasn't breathing on its own. Aquarium veterinarians and biologists administered medications and replacement fluids to help stabilize the turtle, but they did not expect him to make it through the night.

Necropsy results found that the turtle had been ill for weeks, maybe even months before it was found. It had reduced body fat, pneumonia and possible abnormalities in several organs, according to aquarium officials.

"We want to thank the public for the outpouring of well wishes for this turtle as well as your support for the Aquarium’s sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation program," aquarium officials said. "Our work continues for the more than 70 other turtles in the hospital and the dozens more stranding daily that need care."