Sea turtle rehabilitation programs at zoos and aquariums treat hundreds of injured and cold-stunned turtles annually, returning them to the wild after recovery.
Cold-stunned sea turtles rescued from beaches are in acute physiological crisis requiring careful warming, fluid support, and monitoring. Turtles with fibropapillomatosis tumors require surgical removal under anesthesia — a welfare-improving intervention when tumors impair vision or mobility. Rehabilitation success rates vary significantly by species, injury type, and initial condition. Long-term resident sea turtles in aquariums that cannot be released contribute to conservation education but face welfare tradeoffs from captivity. Staff training in sea turtle behavioral assessment and pain recognition has improved welfare outcomes in rehabilitation centers over the past decade.