PHOTOS: Georgia Aquarium helping 8 stranded loggerhead sea turtles

ATLANTA - On Thursday, Georgia Aquarium welcomed 8 loggerhead sea turtles in need of a temporary home for rehabilitation after being stranded.

The turtles were initially rescued by New England Aquarium and brought to Atlanta via Turtles Fly Too with the assistance of NOAA.

Unfortunately, turtles often become stranded along the east coast during winter migration.

As their body temperatures drop, they become weak and inactive – a condition known as "cold-stunning."

Without intervention, the turtles could die.

Staff at the Georgia Aquarium will care for the turtles in a behind-the-scenes area while they recuperate and get much-needed care before being released back into the ocean in the spring.

All sea turtles are threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and a permit is required to work with the turtles. If you see a sick, injured, or stranded sea turtle, contact your local stranding network.