Photo Log: SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL

Follow the Sea Turtle Rehab at the South Carolina Aquarium

Santi Keeps the Turtle Hospital Staff on Their Toes

Santi was found sitting on the rocks next to the Aquarium. He did not move even when a man with his dog walked up to him. The Aquarium staff with our vet Dr. Shane Boylan collected him and brought him to the only space available, the turtle hospital. Since that time he has had many test and is doing well, but still had problems swallowing the fish he is given. Santi is quite a character and would rather be out and about the turtle hospital and not in the tank where he is being confined.

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

h3 style="text-align: center.">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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New Turtle Arrives - Pritchard

06/24/08

The SC Aquarium turtle hospital received a 36.7 kg juvenile loggerhead from the Pritchard Island area. The turtle received a puncture wound in the right humerus area from the stingray barb. The DNR staff removed all of the barb and administered superb first aid with pressure bandages. Pritchard is on antibiotics and will be with us for at least 45 days.

First Graders Raise Money for the Sea Turtle Hospital

1st Grade Teacher, Sue Nodine and Student Teacher, Bridget Rollings, present a check from a Clemson Elementary 1st grade class that raised $907 by making and selling turtle key chains. The class learned of the Sea Turtle Rescue Program�s efforts through Bridget who is from the Charleston area. Thank you kids and teachers for your efforts to help the sick and injured sea turtles in our hospital!

Cape Starts to Eat

After a week at the turtle hospital, Cape is improving and is quite interested in a blue crab put in his tank

Local School Donates to the Turtle Hospital

Buist Academy kindergartener Michael Barber, received a stranded sea turtle adoption for his birthday. But this wasn�t just any adoption�it was at a level that allowed him to bring about 18 classmates to tour the South Carolina Aquarium�s Turtle Hospital. At the end of the tour, the kindergarten class surprised hospital staff with a gift. They had been raising money for the sea turtles and presented a hundred dollars in a beautiful handmade card. Thank you Buist kids!!!

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66lb Loggerhead Brought in from Cape Island

While most people are celebrating Memorial Day with family and friends, the SC Aquarium Turtle Hospital was busy. Swimmers, enjoying the beautiful weather, saw a turtle in trouble and swam out to rescue this 66lb sub-adult loggerhead. The DNR was called, and the turtle was transported from McClellanville to Charleston. Kelly Thorvalson was on hand to receive the turtle. Once at the aquarim the turtle was measured, weighed,had blood taken and was checked out for possible wounds. This turtle, although underweight, was active and interested in its surroundings. The turtle was partially cleaned off and will start receiving antibiotics soon.

"North Litchfield" arrives at the Turtle Hospital

Charlotte Hope, South Carolina Department of Natural Resourses, delivered a debilitated 127lb. loggerhead to the SC Aquarium Turtle Hospital. Kelly Thorvalson and Dr. Shane Boylan were waiting for the turtle and began treatment shortly after the turtle arrived. "Litchfield" was rescued from the surf at North Litchfield. After a few touch and go days Litch has improved and is now eating and acting like a normal sea turtle.

Deb has surgery

DeBordieu underwent surgery on Friday to remove an infected nail and abscess from the right rear flipper. The surgery was performed by Dr. Boylan with the 305-pound female loggerhead under full anesthesia to make the procedure quick and painless for the turtle and for staff.

Local schools raise money for the Turtle Hospital

Two local schools, Ashley Hall (kindergarten) and Daniel Island Elementary (first grade) have been working very hard to learn about sea turtles and to help the sick turtles at the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital. After months of work both schools came to the hospital to visit, and to give Kelly Thorvalson a donation for the turtles.

Wadmalaw Makes a Road Trip

Winter is a slow time in the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital. There are three turtles wintering over. The smallest of the three, Wadmalaw is a 5 lb. Kemps Ridley. Wad has the most medical issues and recently made the trip to Birds and Exotics in Mount Pleasant with the Aquarium Vet. Dr. Shane Boylan. Dr. Boylan and Dr. Biascoechea checked out Wadmalaw's x-rays to closely moniter the turtles condition. Wadmalaw is improving, as are his two fellow "patients" Murrell and Deb.

Greenwood South Carolina Pack 270 Den 3

Left to Right Den Leader, BJ Leopard, Charles Hicks, Austin Leopard, Whittaker Russell, Isaac Washington, Andrew Waldron, Walt Thomas, Kendall Chitwood, Collin Skates, Robert Nickles, Chase Traynham, Wilson Spearman, Bradley Scott.

The Cub Scouts have been working on the World Conservation Service Project - Part of this requirement is to perform a service project.
This group of Cub Scouts chose to Adopt a Sea Turtle and to promote and bring awareness to the community on what could be done to help. This project is designed to bring awareness of the plight of the sea turtle which is in decline and some species are already endangered. The Sea Turtle we adopted is a Loggerhead named Stingray released from the SC Aquarium this summer.

A Tale of Two Turtles.
November 3rd on Isle of Palms two very different turtles were released by the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Hospital.

Lady Lisa a 60lb Sub-Adult .................................Cape Romain a 300lb Male

While Lady Lisa could be carried by Volunteers Diane Lauritsen and Bev Ballow it took a crew of six to get Cape down the beach

Both turtles were eager to get back to the ocean. Lady Lisa made quick work of the distance, while Cape was put on the sand for a short period of time and then carried directly into the ocean.

Both turtles are fitted with satellite transmitters. You can follow these fantastic animals by going to the Aquarium�s Website. Scientists hope to learn more about the travels of adult male loggerheads. "Edisto" and "Cape" are the first South Carolina adult male sea turtles to be fiited with transmitters.

Juvenile loggerhead brought into the SCA Turtle Hospital from Murrells Inlet.

This little loggerhead was brought in to the Turtle Hospital by DuBose Griffen, Sea Turtle Coordinator for South Carolina Dept. of Naturtal Resouses, with 2 boat strike fractures on the top of the carapace. The turtle was healthy prior to being hit and the wounds were very fresh. Since the turtle was found quickly, her prognisis is good. Although the wounds look quite bad "Murrell" is active and interested in her surroundings. Besides eating, Murrell has been after Dr. Shane Boylan's boot, having tried, several times, to bite our new Veterinarian's foot!

"Edisto Released in Front of a Big Crowd on Folly Beach

Edisto had an active morning getting ready to make the trip to Folly for his release. DuBose Griffen, SeaTurtle Coordinator for the SC Department of Natural Resources, came to the turtle hospital to finish up the installation of his satellite transmittor, and to help the staff at the turtle hospital get Edisto weighed, measured and have blood taken before his trip to the beach. It has never been as easy task to deal with this adult male loggerhead. Saturday morning was no exception. Edisto gained quite a bit of weight tipping the scale at 335 lbs. He barely fit on the scale and ended up making the trip to the beach in the back of a DNR truck because he didn't fit in any the the bins normally used to move turtles.

Edisto's Release Part 2! On the beach at Folly

Edisto was rescued with the help of the Edisto Fire Department. Matt Gorman and Fire Chief Larry Waddle came out to help this huge turtle back home.

With a long walk down the beach the crew carrying Edisto stopped to rest and bring in more helping hands to carry the big guy.

Kelly Thorvalson kept Edisto on track and encouraged him with some water.

Edisto's damaged rear flipper is healed and functions,
but it still shows the damage that brought him to the SC Aquarium Turtle Hospital

"Edisto" gets ready for his release

Charlotte Hope and Dr. David Owens spent several hours at the turtle hospital preparing "Edisto" ready for his released on Folly Beach on Saturday. "Edisto" had flipper tags attached and an imbedded chip put in his shoulder area. Both adult male loggerheads at the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital were checked out prior to their upcoming releases. They both had ultrasounds. Actually doing the ultrasound isn't the challenge. The real challenge is getting the huge turtles turned over on their backs in order to do the test.

Two Kemps Released on Kiawah

Two Kemps Ridley sea turtles,"Little Edisto" and "Harbor Island" were taken from the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital for release at Beachwalker County Park. The next generation of sea turtle volunteers Rigby Thorvalson, Christopher Bolus and Kelsey Thorvalson helped Kelly Thorvalson carry the turtles to the beach.

Caitlin Cisek and Billy Warren SCA Volunteers took time to give the crowd a good look at these beautiful little turtles. This summer the Aquarium has admitted four Kemps Ridleys for treatment. All four turtles were caught by fishermen. All four had to have hooks removed and were then treated for infection. Two of these little guys, "Edisto" a three pounder and "Harbor Island" a six pounder were cleared for release at Kiawah.

"Stingray" Released Outside the Charleston Jetties

Mike Arendt and Julia Byrd from the SCDNR came by the Turtle Hospital to attach a satellite transmitter to the carapace of Stingray. Stingray has been at the hospital for three weeks recovering from wounds inflicted by a stingray barb. Stingray was taken by the boat outside the jetties to be released close to where the turtle was picked up by Mike and Julia during a DNR in-water study. This turtle was ready to go and wasted no time with any sentimental goodbyes. She hit the water and was gone!

CLICK on thumbnails to enlarge photos.

"Deb" has an ultrasound

Dr. David Owens, from the College of Charleston, came by to do an ultrasound on "Deb" This turtle stranded after laying a nest and the Turtle Hospital wanted to find out if there was another possible clutch of eggs that might be saved, even with this turtle in the hospital. It was determined that she was still carrying undeveloped eggs that in time would be reabsorbed into her body and used for energy helping with her recovery.

"Folly" a Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle Released on Kiawah

Monday August 13th Folly was released at Beachwalker County Park on Kiawah. Folly was one of four Kemps taken to the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital after being caught on hook and line by surf fishermen along the coast over the past two months. A big crowd was on hand to celebrate the release of this very endangered species of sea turtle. Unlike most releases of sea turtles, this little guy could be carried in a small container by Kelly Thorvalsen to the beach. Once at the beach, Sea Turtle Hospital Volunteer Patricia DeVito introduced Folly to the crowd and then released the little guy on the beach. Folly wasted no time getting in to the water.

Three Turtles Admitted to the Turtle Hospital in a 24 Hour Period

"Deb" an adult female nesting female, weighing 305 lbs, was delivered to the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital on August 1 by the SCDNR. This turtle had nested in the morning, but was unable to return to the ocean, sitting for a long period on the beach. Once the turtle was admitted and given a good wash, a wound was found on her carapace. The sourse of the wound in unknown but is deep and round in shape, as if hit by a blunt object.

"Stingray" was caught by the DNR research vessel. This is a sub-adult loggerhead in good health, except for a run in with a stingray. The turtle has two painful wounds caused by a stingray "barb". One wound is in the turtles flipper and the other puncture is in the groin area.

"Lady Lisa" is the samllest of the three turtles, weighing 56 lbs. This sub-adult has Debilitated Turtle Syndrome. He is underweight and anemic.

Another Small Kemps Ridley Arrives at the Turtle Hospital

Smallest Sea Turtle Even Rescued Delivered to the SC Aquarium

Shannon Teders holds the hospital's newest patient "Little Edisto"

Shannon Teders recieved a call from Charlotte Hope, SCDNR, telling her that the turtle patrol on Edisto rescued a Kemps Ridley. The Kemps had been caught by a surf fishermen. The fisherman cut the fishing line leaving the stainless steel hook lodged in the turtles esophagus. This little turle is the smallest sea turtle ever rescued in South Carolina and instantly became the center of attention. A few weeks ago a huge male loggerhead was brought into the hospital from Edisto and the staff at the hospital couldn't resist showing "Big Edisto" the tiny newcomer. Quite the comparison of over 300 lbs to a bit over 3 lbs. After being wieghed and measured the "Little Edisto" was transported to Dr. Jose Biascoechea's Mt. Pleasant Clinic. Xrays were taken and luckily the hook could be removed without cutting into the plastron. The turtle will be at the hospital for a few weeks and watched carefull for infection. The staff and volunteers will enjoy taking care of this beautiful animal

Lighthouse is successfully released

Friday June 15th Lighthouse was taken out in the Aquarium boat and released near the Charleston Jetties. Lighthouse has always been a fiesty turtle and last Friday was no exception. She didn't go quietly into the Atlantic. After being lowered from the boat she immediately dove but then came flying out of the water for one last look around. Her satellite tracking device is working well, and she can be tracked by going to the Aquarium's website: www.scaquarium.org. After her release she immediately swam back toward the Charleston caost and then up past the Isle of Palms. Hopefully this turtle will give the Turtle Hospital staff information that will shed some light on Debilitated Turtle Syndrome which brought Lighthouse to the hospital last year.

CLICK on thumbnails to enlarge photos.

Cape Travels to Mt. Pleasant for an Xray

Cape's flipper has not been improving and it was decided that xrays were in order. With no radiograph on site, Cape had to be transported to Birds and Exotics Animal Care. More than half the battle is getting this adult male loggerhead from the aquarium and back again. Once on the table ready for the procedure Cape used his tail to hold on to the edge of the table....if we had wanted to move him even an inch forward, we would have lost the battle.

Another Male Adult Loggerhead Arrives at the Hospital

DuBose Griffin, SCDNR, was called to Edisto Island on May 28, 2007, A very large loggerhead sea turtle was found in the water dragging a crab pot buoy. Matt Gorman, with the Edisto Beach fire department, and Duane Stauter, coordinator of the Town of Edisto Beach Turtle patrol used the EBFD's raft and towed the turtle behind the boat to shore The turtle was placed in an open bed truck, covered with donated beach towels from some of the beach goers on Edisto and transported to the Turtle Hospital. Once at the SC Aquarium most of the battle was trying to move this truly huge turtle and getting him ready for treatment. The left rear flipper was tangled in a rope from a crab trap and has cut deeply into the flipper. The treatment will be determined by the dedicated staff of the hospital over the next few days

CLICK on thumbnails to enlarge photos.

Two Loggerheads Released on IOP

Saturday was a busy day on the beach at Island of Palms. The SC Aquarium released two loggerhead sea turtles These turtles have been residents of the Turtle Hospital for about a year. Both turtles suffered from Debilitated Turtle Syndrome. A crowd of over 500 people came out to celebrate and learn about the turtles. The kids got to crawl through a TED (Turtle Extruder device) and take part in a beach sweep while they waited for the turtles to arrive.