Slow pokes: Acupuncture helps hypothermic turtles

Associated Press + More

By RODRIQUE NGOWI, Associated Press

QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — Two endangered sea turtles are shells of their former selves after getting stranded on Cape Cod during a cold spell. Now they're getting some help — from an acupuncturist.

Two juvenile Kemp's Ridley sea turtles named Dexter and Fletcher Moon are among hundreds left immobile and unable to eat for days this winter after they blew onto the beach.

Vets at a New England Aquarium facility used laser therapy, antibiotics and enriched meals to help turtles recover before being returned to the wild.

That didn't help some turtles. That includes Dexter and Fletcher Moon. They are unable to use their front flippers, so it would be impossible for them to find food or escape predators.

Connie Merigo is head of the aquarium's marine rescue team. She says rescuers are seeing improved limb use and appetite.
