Over 60 Baby Sea Turtles Rescued From Lighting Disorientation in Florida

Baby sea turtles, or “hatchlings,” are amazing little animals. From the moment they leave their sandy nests, these independent babies make their way to the ocean to begin life on their own.

But sometimes, even the most self-sufficient creatures need help — like recently, when a tourist in Florida discovered over 60 loggerhead hatchlings aimlessly wandering through tall grass, more than 100 feet away from the ocean.

Tourist Calls for Help

The concerned woman immediately contacted The Turtle Hospital’s 24-hour stranding hotline. A team of rescuers soon arrived, collected the disoriented hatchlings, placed them carefully in a bucket, and transported them to the rescue center.

Why Did the Turtles Get Lost?

Though hatchlings are self-reliant, they often forage together in groups. These babies likely fell victim to a dangerous phenomenon called “lighting disorientation.”

According to The Turtle Hospital, this occurs when turtles mistake artificial lights for the natural glow of the moon and stars. Instead of heading toward the ocean, they wander inland — putting them at risk from predators, dehydration, and exhaustion.

Rescuers Help the Hatchlings Recover

At the rescue center, each turtle was weighed, examined, and had the sand rinsed from their eyes. They were given fluids for hydration and placed in tanks for swim tests to ensure they were strong enough for release.

Thanks to quick action, 61 baby turtles were returned to the sea. A handful are still recovering at the hospital, where they’ll remain until they’re healthy enough to rejoin the ocean.

Protecting Sea Turtles for the Future

“All species of sea turtles in and around the USA are threatened or endangered, meaning they are at risk of becoming extinct in our lifetime,” said Bette Zirkelbach, general manager of The Turtle Hospital, in an interview with The Dodo.

One of the best ways people can help is by keeping coastal lights off during sea turtle nesting season. Without artificial lights to confuse them, hatchlings have a better chance of safely finding the ocean — where they belong.

A Bright Beginning

Thanks to caring locals and dedicated rescuers, these 61 hatchlings now have a second chance at life. With continued community awareness, future generations of sea turtles will have a much safer journey from sand to sea.