NEWPORT, Ore. — The Oregon Coast Aquarium has named an endangered sea turtle rescued on a Washington state beach "Turkey" because it was found around Thanksgiving.
The female olive ridley sea turtle was critically ill when she was discovered by an Oregon couple walking on the beach at Cape Disappointment State Park.
Scroll down to continue reading
Trending headlines
- Hip replacement "ticking time-bomb" for "thousands" of Washington patients
- Stopping to give money to panhandlers in Gig Harbor? You could be fined $1,000
- NYT: White House plan would have Tillerson out within weeks
- Matt Lauer firing has people wondering what Tamron Hall, Ann Curry are up to
- Note found hidden in wall after 60 years
Staff at the aquarium in Newport, Oregon said Thursday that Turkey isn't out of the woods yet but does not have any internal injuries and has warmed up some.
Turkey's body temperature was just 59 degrees and veterinarians estimate she had not eaten for a month.
Sea turtles belong in warmer waters to the south, but sometimes winter storms and strong currents bring them to the Pacific Northwest.
In cold water, they became lethargic and have trouble eating and swimming.
Associated Press