GALVESTON, Texas — More than 40 cold-stunned green sea turtles were released into the Gulf of Mexico Friday afternoon in Galveston. They were rehabilitated by local wildlife organizations.

Cold stunning is what can happen when sea turtles are exposed to cold temperatures, which results in them becoming weak and inactive, the Fishery Division of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration said. Eventually, they are unable to swim and will float to the surface.

Sea Turtle Inc. announced Saturday they have already rescued 190 turtles affected by the recent cold stun in the Gulf of Mexico.

Stunned by the sudden drop in temperatures, six green sea turtles and one Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle are under the professional care of animal experts at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

More than 50 people came to Salinas Park Gulfside to watch four cold-stunned juvenile green sea turtles return to the Gulf. For more News, Weather, and Sports in Panama City, Florida visit:

The Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, Houston Zoo and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department on Friday released more than 40 recently rescued, cold-stunned green sea turtles into the