Premature Sea Turtle Hatchlings Taken In By Florida Zoo After Being Exposed By Hurricane Dorian

MELBOURNE, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) — Almost two-dozen premature green sea turtle hatchlings have been taken in by a Florida zoo after their nest was exposed by Hurricane Dorian.

Officials at Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center say 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.

Each of the 20 turtles rescued were examined and comprehensively cleaned to ward off infection.

The sea turtle's program coordinator Shanon Gann says each of the hatchlings now has a chance to get into the ocean soon.

Sea turtles and their eggs are protected at the state and federal levels, and it is illegal to touch them.

Anyone who finds sea turtles in need should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)