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17 Rare Sea Turtles Rescued Off Cape Cod

Seventeen rare sea turtles suffering a variety of ailments are recovering at the New England Aquarium after being rescued over the past two days off of Cape Cod.

The turtles rescued by volunteers with the Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary at Wellfleet Bay are being cared for at the aquarium's new animal care center in Quincy and will eventually be released back to ocean waters.

The mostly Kemp's ridley turtles were suffering from hypothermia, dehydration and malnourishment. The turtles usually migrate to warmer waters in the winter but aquarium officials say strong northwest winds Wednesday drove the turtles to shore.

Many had body temperatures in the 50s when they should be in the 70s.

An aquarium spokesman says it's unusual for the facility to care for so many at one time.

This program aired on November 26, 2010. The audio for this program is not available.

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