Brevard Zoo helps sea turtle hatchlings stranded by Hurricane Dorian

Melbourne, Fla. — The Brevard Zoo has taken in 20 premature green sea turtle hatchlings in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

A spokesperson for the Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center says beach erosion caused by the storm left their nest exposed on Melbourne Beach.

Some of the hatchlings still had yolk sacs attached when they arrived at the center.

Once the infants are approved for release, they will be placed on the sand to make their way to the ocean.

"Sea turtles of every size (and their eggs) are protected at the state and federal levels, and it is illegal to touch them," says the zoo in a release.

If you find a sea turtle in need, you should contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC or Sea Turtle Preservation Society (in Brevard County only) at 321-206-0646 for instructions.