On February 11 there was a cold stun event in North Carolina. Over 120 sea turtles washed ashore. Only about 20 survived and Kelly Sloan, SC DNR, drove up to the NC border to collect two loggerhead sub-adults.
OCRACOKE BEASLEY
These two turtles made the trip in the back and front seat of Kelly's truck, since the weather was way too cold to be outside. The DNR truck was a little the worse for wear, but nothing some cleaner and paper towels couldn't clean up. Both turtles got a check up from Dr. Boylan and the Turtle Hospital staff. They were weighed, measured and given a total visual accessment. Blood was taken and antibiotics were started. Both turtles came in at a good wieght and luckily they started to eat almost immediately.
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Myrtle Has Come a Long Way
When Myrtle came to the Sea Turtle Hospital he wasn't really expected to survive. Over the past year, his terrible wounds have healed but he has been a "floater" unable to swim and rest underwater. If this problem cannot be solved, this little turtle would not be able to be released. In an continuing struggle to help this little guy, his caregivers took Myrtle over the MUSC where Dr. Morgan and his staff gave Myrtle and MRI
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Another therapy was started this week. It is hoped that getting Myrtle in deeper water will help him overcome his floating problem. One of the Aquarium divers is taking Myrtle in the Carolina Seas tank which allows him to get about 12 feet under water. So far this hasn't worked but we will continue to try. Seeing this little guy with a weight belt on is adorable.
Nine Turtles Arrive From North Carolina
CLUSE DARE FRISCO
On December 28 DuBosse Griffin, SCDNR, drove up to the North Carolina border to pick up 9 sea turtles that had been cold stunned. Three of these small greens, Cluse, Dare, and Frisco will be staying at the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital, while the other 6 travelled on to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Upon arrival all nine turtles were checked out by the hospital staff. The turtles received subcutaneous fluids, eye ointment and a thin coast of petrolium jelly to help with hydration. Our three little guys will be with us until at least spring, when the waters will have warmed up sufficiently for their release.
Three Turtles Arrive in Style
11/05/09 Ronnie Santos, member of the East Cooper Pilots Association, brought a plane load of turtles down from the University of New England Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center in Maine. Every winter the MARC takes in cold stunned sea turtles and this tranfer of some of last years turtles will allow for more turtles to he helped.
Little Pawley Didn't Make it
10/16/09 Pawley suddenly, but not unexpectedly, “died” in his tank this morning. After a long 10-15 minutes of CPR, Dr. Boylan was able to resuscitate him to biting and minor flipper movement. It wasn’t a full recovery, but it was significant. He decided to conduct a coelomotomy surgery to attempt to remove the impaction. Intestinal inflammation was severe but they were unable to locate and remove the impaction. After surgery and some recovery time at the Aquarium, Dr. Boylan brought the turtle home. His heart stopped at 6:30 PM.
10/17/09 Necropsy answered our questions. Among other finds, the inflammation in the gut was the most severe Dr. Boylan had ever seen in a living reptile. The complete intestinal obstruction was inaccessible by surgery and showed evidence of being weeks old. The short story is that 50% of the small intestine was damaged beyond repair. The little guy never had a chance.
The turtle folks on Pawleys Island were busy when the word went out there was a small turtle in trouble. Pawleys isn't a really big island and luckily a young man saw a small turtle in the surf and went in and rescued him. DNR delivered the little green to the SCA Sea Turtle Hospital Sunday night where Shane, Kelly and new intern Lucy were waiting. This is a very lucky little turtle. If he hadn't been found and brought in he surely would have perished. He is improving but it will take the concentrated efforts of the hospital staff over the next weeks. this past Wednesday and Thursday little Pawley ate some smelt which is a good sign.
Pirate improving a bit
Right now Pirate is unable to open his jaw and eat, so the Hospital staff has to tube feed the turtle. This is quite a chore and as the turtle becomes stronger it will be more and more of a challange.
SCUTE Arrives from Myrtle Beach
Arturo, from the SC Dept. of Natural Resources, brought this sub-adult loggerhead in to the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital last Monday night. Helping these turtles is not a "9 to 5" job for the rescue staff. Scute came in covered in mud and all sorts of "hitch hikers" including several starfish. Scute had been tangled in a rope that left some damage on the top of his skull. The turtle is very thin and from what he has passed since being in the hospital, this turtle had been starving.
Pirate Gets a New Tank
In order to make room for the newest turtle at the Turtle Hospital, Pirate was moved to a tank with a filter. For the first time Pirate could see his surroundings, and there was a noticeable change in his personality. He was very interested in his closest neighbor Mingo. Pirate is having trouble with his jaw and seems to be unable to open it to eat. He is interested in food but can't open his mouth on his own. He is being tube fed while the staff works at solving this problem.
Three Turtles Released on Kiawah
On Sunday, July 26, 2009, The SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital released three rehabilitated sea turtles. Ethan, a good friend of the Sea Turtle Program, came down from Canada to Charleston with his Mom to help release Wadmalaw, a Kemps Ridley. Ethan has been raising money for the Sea Turtles Hospital for over two years. So far this dedicated young man (7 years old) has donated over $2500.00 to the hospital.
Three turtles, two Kemps and one Loggerhead were prepared for their trip from the Aquarium in Charleston to the County Park on Kiawah.
Once the turtles made their way to the beach, it was time for Ethan to turn over a donation to the Sea Turtle Hospital. Kelly Thorvalson carried Wadmalaw around for the crowd to see and then Ethan carried Wad all the way down the beach and let him go back to the ocean. It was a very happy and sad moment for Ethan. Happy to see his favorite turtle go back to his home, but still sad to say goodbye.
Once Wadmalaw was on his way the other two turtles took center stage for their trip back to the ocean. This years' summer interns, Courtney and Sarah, carried Kiawah down the beach and home.
Last, but certanly not least, was Winyah. This fiesty young Kemps wasted no time getting into the water. Thursday Sea Turtle Hospital volunteer Joan got to carry Winyah
Pirate and Mingo Improving
Pirate is on some meds and has the interns attention giving him a "spa treatment". He is not eating yet, but shows some interest in the food offered. At the other end of the turtle hospital Mingo is becoming a favorite. Mingo is always intersted in what we are doing. He may be just looking for another food handout, but we'd prefer to think he finds us fascinating!
Pirate
Mingo
A New Turtle From Myrtle Beach
Arturo from the SCDNR brought an 80 pound loggerhead from the Myrtle Beach area long after the ordinary work day had finished. �Pirate� is mildly dehydrated, moderately thin with no significant anemia. Blood glucose elevated due to a stress response. In Dr. Shane Boylan�s opinion the epibiota is suggestive of a sick animal in an inshore habitat (salt marsh). Supportive therapy was begun (fluids, antibiotics, vitamins). More will know more after the blood work is back, and radiographs (x rays) are taken.
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Three Year Old Loggerheads Out for Sun
About every month the sea turtles on exhibit and waiting to go on exhibit are weighed and measured by the husbandry staff of the aquarium. The four three year old loggerheads, that will soon be released, were taken outside for sun and at the same time were measured and weighed. This age (and siaz) loggerhead is not seen in South Carolina waters and it is a treat to see how beautiful these young turtles are. Their pristine condition is a reflection of the care they receive and the fact they are in a protected environment.
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Routine Day at the Turtle Hospital
There have been no new patients in the past couple of weeks, but the turtle hospital has been busy caring for our 9 patients and sharing the hospital with visitors. Tours have been totally booked and it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm on the faces of the children and their parents alike. Shots for Hilton, fighting with little Myrtle while cleaning his tank, watching Mama Pritchard attack the red ball in her tank are part of the daily routine.
Turtle season is in full swing in South Carolina. In the past week, the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital has received two new patients. Though the usual turtle at the hospital is the loggerhead, this week a young Green and a young Kemps Ridley were brought in.
Mingo.....................................................................Hilton
Mingo
The little green was found floating in the creek off of Mingo Point. This turtle is very skinny, and was severely dehydrated when he arrived. Mingo is receiving fluids, antibiotics and vitamin injections. One of the first priorities was to have radiographs done to check for hidden problems. Mingo is floating and there seems to be air in the intestine. The hospital staff and volunteers will work to get this little guys digestive system moving.
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One day after arriving Mingo was taken for radiographs at Dr. Biascoechea's clinic in Mt. Pleasant. Radiographs are an invaluable tool in trying to figure out what is going on with these stoic little patients.
Hilton
Hilton had a visit to Dr. Jose Biascoechea for radiographs on Monday afternoon. The little Kemp�s Ridley from Hilton Head that arrived in the weee hours of Monday morning, has two hooks in the esophagus instead of the one that was reported. One hook was likely a previous incident. The second fishing incident thankfully occurred when a well intentioned angler brought the turtle to the Hilton Head turtle crew. We used our endoscope to remove a snelled �J� hook with a partial wire leader deep in the esophagus. Sadly, the second hook (and likely older incident) is nowhere to be visualized in the esophagus. This hook injury likely occurred in the past where the hook had time to penetrate and become encapsulated in the esophagus and surrounding subcutaneous tissue. This is not uncommon and many turtles carry fish-hooks in them throughout their lives. The turtle will be evaluated in rehabilitation, and the hook may not need to be removed. This little turtle is a bait thief.
Shortly after returning from Mt. Pleasant, Dr. Boylan and the Turtle Hospital interns set about to remove the fish hook lodged in Hilton's esophagas
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Murrell and Little Pritchard Get a Big Sendoff at Folly
June 9, 2009
It was a big day for the Sea Turtle Rescue program. Two sub-adult loggerheads were released after a long, but successful rehabilitation at the Turtle Hospital. About noon today, Kelly Thorvalson and Dr. Shane Boylan loaded up Murrell and Pritchard for the trip to Folly. Both turtles have been feeling fine for a long time and were a handfull for Kelly and Shane.
After the long ride to Folly, both turtles were ready to go. the first turtle released was Murrell. Murrell was the first turtle treated by Dr. Boylan when he joined the Aquarium. It was fitting that Shane and Kelly carried the turtle from the truck and part way down the beach. The second turtle, Pritchard, was carried by Sea Turtle Hospital volunteer Barb Gobien and her daughter Jacqueline, a Sea Turtle Hospital Intern.
Murrell.........................................................................Pritchard
Murrell
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Little Pritchard
Little Debbie Receiving Intense Treatment for Pneumonia
Little Debbie has started swimming around her tank at times. She is now being kept in about 4" of water overnight rather than in dry dock (out of water). The flipper has been bandaged and antibiotic nebulizers are given daily. This is all good news but the little Kemps is still very sick and we remain guarded about her prognosis.
Come Out to Folly Tuesday June 9 to Give Murrell and Pritchard a Big Sendoff
May 22, A 26 lb Kemps Ridley Stranded on DeBordieu Beach
Another sea turtle, a Kemp's Ridley has arrived from Debordieu. This animal was found May 21 on the beach and presumed to be dead. On May 22, Arturo of DNR, brought the 11.9 kg (26 pound Kemp's to the Sea Turtle Hospital at the SC Aquarium. There was one relatively fresh cut along the right marginal scutes . There was an old semicircular wound in the marginal scutes near the left rear flipper. This turtle was named Little Debbie, replacing the adult loggerhead, DeBordieu, that was recently released from the hospital..
Today, May 29, Dr. Jose Biascochea came to our rescue again with radiographs of Little Debbie. We found some significant pneumonia and a fracture of the right humerus which correlates with the fresh wound along the right marginal scutes. She is also extremely hyperglycemic due to stress of infection. Her lethargy wasn�t low enough to allow a non sedated tracheal wash so she still has a small amount of fight in her. After returning from her trip for x-rays, antibiotic therapies were modified and nebulization was started in the hopes we can win that 1% chance that we can bring her back. The lungs accumulate a thick cheese-like inflammatory product that replaces lung tissue. The humeral fracture is minor compared to the lung pathology. It�s a losing battle, but we are going to try everything we can.
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In front of a huge crowd, Deb was released on IOP.
Deb has been at the SC Aquarium's Turtle Hospital for almost two years. She is ready to fulfill her breeding and nesting responsibilities and has been hyper active in her tank at the aquarium. Since we are in the beginning of the mating season, it was decided to get Deb back out where she belongs. The biggest crowd ever was on hand on Isle of Palms to watch her make her way back into the Atlantic. The turtle crew from S.C.U.T.E and DeBordieu came down to see their girl be released. Deb is a huge, strong girl and it took 6 men and Kelly Thorvalson to carry her down the beach with several stops along the way.
Early Saturday morning Deb's tank was drained and staff from the DNR and the Aquarium struggled to get Deb from her tank to the bin in which she would travel to the beach. To help her stay hydrated Kelly Thorvalson, Director of the Sea Turtle Hospital, coated her shell with Vasoline. Once she was at the beach and out of her bin the nezt challenge was to get her down the beach without being grabbed by her large, strong jaws Dr.Shane Boylan was quick enough to avoid her mouth .... but only by a thread!
It's not every day you get to see a 320lb. loggerhead and nearly a thousand people were out on the beach to watch Deb. Even "Waddle" was on hand to respresnet the Aquarium's penguins. They were sorry they couldn't make the trip, but they would love to have you come visit them at the SC Aquarium.
Once Deb was being hit by the waves, she got the idea and made her way home without looking back or waving a flipper goodbye.
Four Turtles Released Offshore
Four Cold Stun turtles were taken 65 mile off shore and released. Mr. John Hill kindly donated the use of his boat and crew to give two young green turtles and two teenage loggerheads a ride to the gulf stream. Once in the blue waters of the gulf stream each of the turtles eagerly swam away.
Little Myrtle is still having trouble diving, but manages to get to his food before he pops back up to the surface
Turtle Arrives from Kiawah
DNR picked up a 80 lb debilitated loggerhead (DTS) from Kiawah on Saturday afternoon. The turtle was covered with epibiota on the carapace and skin, but the overal body condition was far better than many other DTS loggerheads. Thisanimal is only moderately emaciated. "Her" in house blood parameters looked remarkably "normal" except she had no measurable glucose. Fluid therapy, antibiotics, and dextrose were administed over a few hours on Saturday afternoon/evening.
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Mama Pritchard Enjoys a "Spa Treatment"
While filling up her tank after a water change, Kelly gave Mama Pritchard a high pressure shower over her healing carapace wounds. She really liked the feeling and stayed under the water, even though she could have moved away from the spray.
Myrtle makes a trip to MUSC
Myrtle needed a MRI to determine the location of the gas that was causing him to float. The MRI was instrumental in localizing the buoyancy to the lungs thereby avoiding an unnecessary surgical exploration for trapped coelomic gas. Myrtle has been undergoing weight belt therapy for a few months. There is mild improvement in "his" diving ability, but this type of therapy can take months. This condition is not uncommon among sea turtles. Trauma can create positive buoyancy due to a number of reasons: infections leading to gas distended GI, torn faveoli in the lungs releasing gas to the coelom, and idiopathic hyperinflation. MUSC has been fantastic in lending their time and resources to helping this endangered Kemp's Ridley. We really appreciate all the effort.
Kids Work to Raise Money for the Sick Sea Turtles
Each year, Morgan Bronk chooses a charity to support in honor of her birthday. On her 10th birthday in October 2008, she had a private screening of Nim's Island at a movie theater and asked that in lieu of birthday gifts, attendees consider making a donation to the Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rescue Program. Morgan was successful in raising $200 for the sick and injured sea turtles!
Rather than collect candy on Halloween, Ashley Woods of Charleston, SC, collected donations for the Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rescue Program that totaled $100!
Sophia Langton of New Hampshire raised $250 for the Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rescue Program by asking for donations in lieu of gifts for her 6th birthday and by making and selling homemade sea turtle note cards!
It may be the middle of winter, but the need to raise funds for the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital is a year round job for the supporters of the turtle hospital. Six year old Ethan from Caledonia,Ontario is raising money for the Aquarium's Turtle Hospital for the third year in a row. Ethan hopes to increase his 2008 donation of $1000 to $2000 in 2009! Ethan was quoted saying, "I am raising money for the Sea Turtle Rescue Hospital in South Carolina. This year with the help from my mother, Shelley Harrison, we have made different sizes of chocolate turtles to sell to help us raise my goal of $2,000, which will be donated to the hospital."
North Myrtle is making great progress since he arrived at the SC Aquarium Turtle Hospital
James the box turtle is waiting for warmer weather to be released. Everyday James gets his own personal "buffet" He enjoys a "wall display" of his food.
The SC Aquarium is caring for both hatchling green and loggerhead turtles. These turtles were collected from nests that hatched this past August. All the little guys are doing well, eating everything in site and growing and growing.
Murrell has come a long way. His wounds have dramatically improved and hopefully can be released later this year.
Myrtle gets some help to solve his bouyancy problem. A weight belt is attached with velcro strips to give him a bit of weight to help him dive to the bottom of his tank.
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With the start of 2009, the Turtle Hospital and the South Carolina Aquarium have its hands full. From now until the waters off Charleston warm, the Turtle Hospital will be busy caring for our 12 very active patients. Each turtle presents his own challenges, from diet to medical attention. Besides patients the Aquarium also has to care for the sea turtles that are on exhibit and waiting to go on exhibit. Dr. Shane Boylan and Shannon Teders took four young loggerheads on a road trip for radiographs to Dr. Jose Biascochea's clinic in Mt. Pleasant. These healthy 3 year olds were on their best behavior holding still for the procedure.
Each of our 12 turtles have their own personalities
Myrtle, the young Kemps Ridley, is perhaps the most seriously injured of the current patients. His progress, so far, has been fantastic. He still has a way to go but comparing where he started from until now tells the story
DNR Delivers four "Cold Stun" turtles to the Turtle Hospital
Dubose Griffin, SCDNR, spent better than 8 hours travelling to North Carolina at the request of the NCDNR. Better than 60 sea turtles had stranded along North Caarolina's beaches, and the call was sent out to help these animals. Although the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital had every tank full, Kelly Thorvalson and her staff hustled to make room for the four turtles DuBose was bringing down from NC.
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About 8PM the DNR truck pulled in with it's precious cargo....2 young Green Sea Turtles and 2 sub-adult Loggerheads. Dr. Shane Boylan was ready with medications and gave each turtle a basic checkup.
These turtles had very low core temperatures that had to be dealt with. Once their temperatures were stable with their surroundings they were put in tanks. They all have been put on antibiotics and will be closely monitered.
Boiling Springs Elementary raises money for Turtle Hospital
A 1000 students at Boiling Springs Elementary, just outside of Spartanburg, SC, listened to Barbara Bergwerf and Kelly Thorvalson talk about sea turtle conservation during the school�s Red Ribbon Week. The students are raising money for the Aquarium�s Sea Turtle Rescue Program by selling Chick-fil-A biscuits, raffling a birthday package and a having a school-wide read-a-thon.
Mama Pritchard's eggs didn't hatch
Mama Pritchard's eggs unfortunately never developed. Charlotte Hope, Kelly Thorvalson and Dr. Shane Boylan spent time checking each of the eggs that Mama Pritchard laid this past summer shortly after arriving at the Sea Turtle Hospital.
Little Pritchard's wound is healing and the turtle is active and eating well
Intern Kayla Spry and Aquarium Vet Dr. Shane Boylan got Little Pritchard out of his tank to check out the stringray barb wound on his flipper. This wound although healing well, is taking a long time to mend. Dr. Boylan uses a tweezer to debride the wound. This turtle is doing well but due to the time of year Little Pritchard will stay with us until the water warms up next spring.
The Kemps take a road trip for radiographs
Intern Kayla and SCA Vet Shane packed up two of the Kemps Ridleys for a trip to Mt. Pleasant for radiographs. Dr. Jose was there to take a look at the little turtles and get the necessary radiographs. Myrtle has extensive head injuries, while Winyah was there just as a precaution. Both turtles were not really happy with the trip....but when Myrtle decided to make a fuss Bella, a Cockatoo, wasn't sure what was happening.
North Myrtle is much happier to be in a deeper filtered tank, where the water is warmer. The warmer water should stimulate her appetite.
Young Canadian Raises Money for the Sea Turtle Hospital.
Ethan came from Canada with his Mom and Grandparents to make a donation to the Sea Turtle Hospital. Young Ethan visited last year and has spent this past year working to raise money to help sick and injured sea turtles. He came to visit and deliver a check for $1000.00 to the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program. While here, Ethan got to help Dr. Boylan with a medical procedure and got to visit some of the turtles he saw last year. Ethan noticed how much better Wadmalaw looked and Wad seemed interested in looking back at Ethan.
North Myrtle has started to eat.
Not really interested in food, Dr. Shane Boylan is giving this turtle no choice. Shane is hand feeding this turtle...pushing food into his mouth until he gives up and takes the squid that's offered. Shane will have to take great care and keep a sharp eye on North Myrtle's jaws. As this turtle becomes stronger and more willing to eat, Shane's fingers might start to look like a tasty tidbit!
Despite the terrible wounds to his head, Myrtle is becoming an eager eater and even diving to the bottom of his tank for food.
Myrtle's head wounds are improving, but will probably look a lot worse before they look better. Dead tissue is coming off and healing is taking place from the inside out. This little guy is amazing and hopefully will be able to overcome his terrible head damage.
North Myrtle needs intense threatments daily
Volunteers, interns and hospital staff work daily on the turtle named North Myrtle. When this turtle first came in, it was considered a boat strike victim. It has become apparent that this turtle's shell has been crushed with many cracks in all directions. N. Myrtle has these wounds flushed daily and to fight off complications is nebulized twice a day. N. Myrtle isn't happy about the treatments but his caretakers are determined to help this turtle survive. This is going to be a very long-term situation and will tax the limited budget of the turtle hospital. Our other turtle from Myrtle Beach, Myrtle, will also be with us for a very long period of time recovering from a horrible wound to the head. The costs to take care of these animals for possibly years will be enormous.
If you have ever considered supporting this program -- now is the time to donate to the good work of SC Aquarium Turtle Hospital. Go to www.scaquarium.org and make a donation. We will keep fighting for these animals with your help.
Little Jetty released on Isle of Palms - 9/13/08
Hundreds came out to see Little Jetty make his way back to the ocean after a two and a half month stay at the hospital. LJ was accidently caught by people fishing off the Charleston Jettys. This turtle came in with a fishing hook deep in his esophagus. After having the hook (and bait) removed the turtle crashed several times, being brought back by Dr Shane Boylan, the hospital staff and interns.
Rexanna Bell was a very special attendee of today's release. Rexanna was the one that caught Little Jetty and has been following the turtle's progress. It was a great day for Rexanna as well as for Little Jetty.
Little Jetty has blood taken and a micro chip embedded prior to his release
Fall interns Sara Smith and Kayla Spry are busy with the eight turtles in the hospital
Another Boat Strike Injury Arrives at the SC Aquarium Turtle Hospital
Loggerhead - "North Myrtle" is brought in by Charlotte Hope from the SCDNR. This sub-adult turtle has multiple boat strikes on the carapace (shell). This turtle is seriously injured but is alert and swimming in its tank.
Small Kemps is brought in from Myrtle Beach.
A small Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle was brought into the Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital early Tuesday morning by DuBose Griffin, Sea Turtle Co-ordinater for the SC Dept. of Natural Resourses. The first sight of this poor little guy was shocking and his future seemed very much in doubt. His head suffered a severe boat strike breaking his jaw and tearing the front part of his upper jaw. DuBose handed over the turtle and Dr. Shane Boylan and Kelly Thorvalson went to work. After assessing his wounds it was decided to try and move the upper jaw back into place. This wound was very fresh and it was important to get the jaw lined up and the wound closed as much as possible. It was even doubtful that this turtle would make it through the trauma of the surgery, not to mention the trauma he had already endured.
It was a wonderful surprise to find the turtle, now named Myrtle, survived overnight. This turtle is by no means "out of the woods" but this morning he was quite active, resisting everything that was being done to him. He even had to be placed in a deep tank, since he was trying to climb out of the small bin where he had spent the night. The odds are still stacked against this little guy but he will recieve the best medical care possible.
Big Mama Pritchard is laying a nest - - One egg at a time!
Dr. Boylan and the rest of the staff at the Turtle Hospital are closely watching Mama Pritchard. She has been dropping eggs in her tank almost daily. These eggs are being transfered to large buckets of sand and will be carefully monitered. After about 60 days we will hopefully have some hatchlings to start on their own journey.
North Litchfield Released - 07/17/08
Billy Warren's Family - Son Wes, Wife Elaine and Daughter-in Law Kelly and Kelly Thorvalson carry Litchfield toward the water and release after a four month stay at the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital.
North Litchfield quickly makes his way to the water.
July 17th was an emotional day for the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital and the family of Billy Warren. Billy Warren was a mainstay of the Aquarium and of the Turtle Hospital, volunteering thousands of hours to the sea turtles. Billy was always willing to go the extra mile helping whenever needed. Billie loved the Sea Turtle Hospital and cared deeply for the turtles in our care. Billy unexpectedly passed away in March. His dedication is sorely missed and this release was to honor his spirit and love for the Sea Turtles and SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital.
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Adult Female Arrives - - 326 lbs. 07/07/08
Dr. Shane Boylan today did an ultrasound on our newest patient. "Big Mama Pritchard" appears to have developed eggs and it will be determined how to deal with this clutch of eggs. The object will be to let this turtle lay these eggs with the least amount of stress as possilbe.
Around 3 am today, Kelly Sloan of DNR received the call that the animal had returned to possibly lay a nest. Somehow, the Pritchard turtle team were able to safely catch the animal as they believed the wounds were progressing. This �Big Momma Pritchard� is 326.5 lbs. She has two significant old boat strike wounds on her caudal (near the tail) carapace. The wounds are covered with a scab typically called fibronecrotic membrane which is exactly what Debordieu, our other adult female, had on her carapace. We removed some mud, crabs, sea pork, leeches, barnacles, skeleton shrimp, and dead shell when she arrived early this morning. (July7) Her wounds looked like they had thrown a frat party over July 4th.
Healthy granulation tissue is present under the fibronecrotic membranes. Her in house bloodwork is not normal, but it is not dire. Her activity level is considerable. is in fresh water to loosen the epibiota (the barnacles, leeches, etc.) to aid in the debriding (getting the dead and unwanted debris out of her wounds). She is on the usual antibiotics, iron, etc. to facilitate her healing. We will ultrasound her for more eggs when the stress of capture subsides. It would be very nice to keep her calm for a few days.
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The Two Small Kemps Ridleys Are Doing Well
Little Jetty is recovering after having a hook removed from his throat.
While Wadmalaw is making friends with his tank mates. It seems to be "love at first sight" between the little turtle and a small Black Bass
Cape Island
After receiving an ultrasound at the Turtle Hospital on Wednesday, Cape Island received radiographs on Thursday (June 26) to find suspicions of pneumonia were correct. Her entire right lung is affected. We are carefully monitoring the rising uric acid level in her blood. She�s now on more antibiotics, antifungals, allopurinol for the uric acid, and daily nebulizing.
A Tiny 3.3 lb. Kemps Was Brought in With a Fishing Hook Complete With Bait Deep in its Throat
06/26/08
A 3.3lb Kemp�s Ridley swallowed a recreational fisherman�s fish hook on Thursday, June 26. A trip was made to the Birds and Exotics Vet Clinic for radiographs and a difficult but flawless endoscopic removal of the deeply embedded hook by Dr. Biascoechea. The turtle is recovering in the Turtle Hospital.
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