Some turtles have died because of the extreme cold

But this winter, weathermen have been spouting alien terms such as 'wind chill factor' and 'below zero'.

The prolonged cold spell has forced the temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico to about 10C and that has literally stunned some turtles to death.

Frozen turtles

Others have been paralysed by the cold and they have been washing up on beaches in north-western Florida.

Some have been taken to a rehabilitation centre and placed in pools of warmer water.

A spokesman there said it looks like turtle soup.

On the Atlantic Coast near Jacksonville, the water is equally bitter. Three manatees were forced to seek shelter near a power station where the temperature was considerably warmer.

Manatees sought warmth at a power station

These lumbering vegetarian mammals were captured and have been taken to a marine park for treatment until they can be released back into the wild.

They are being given special manatee milkshakes of gruel and monkey feed to help gain weight.

Endangered species

The authorities went to great lengths to save the creatures because they are an endangered species.

It is estimated that only 3,000 manatees are left.

In the Florida Keys, biologists are trying to find out what is killing dozens of pelicans and paralysing scores of others.

Botulism, which causes neurological damage, has been ruled out, so now scientists are testing for fish poisoning and red tide - a poisonous algae.

Kelly Grinter of the Marathon Wild Bird rescue centre has appealed for the public not to ignore pelicans that might be floating lifeless in the canals and backwaters of the Keys.

She said it is possible the pelicans are not dead, just stunned.