Two Juvenile Sea Turtles Back in the Open Ocean After Being Rehabilitated at the South Carolina Aquarium
Charleston, S.C. (PRWEB) July 10, 2013 -- Two feisty sea turtles are now swimming the deep blue sea after being successfully rehabilitated in the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rescue Program. The turtles both spent several months at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital receiving care for various injuries. This release brings the total number of sea turtles released by the Aquarium to 122.
More on the turtles released:
Brewster:
Brewster, a 7-pound juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (the most endangered sea turtle species) was brought to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in January of this year after being found cold stunned in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Brewster was flown down to the sunny south along with four other sea turtles. Cold stunning occurs when sea turtles are exposed to cold water temperatures for long periods of time. They undergo a hypothermic reaction and symptoms can include a decreased heart rate, decreased circulation, and extreme lethargy, which may be followed by shock, pneumonia, and in the worst case scenarios, death. Sea turtles are affected by cold stunning because they are cold-blooded reptiles. Brewster’s care included antibiotics, fluids, vitamins, and plenty of TLC.
Bristol:
Bristol, an 8-pound juvenile green sea turtle was found floating between docks at Bristol Marina in downtown Charleston in November of last year. Bristol had apparently been struck by a boat just hours earlier and was brought to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital with severe external wounds and multiple fractures in the bones of the front flippers. The injuries were flushed and treated; Bristol was given fluids, antibiotics, vitamin injections, and laser therapy to help the fractured bones heal. After 8 months of care, Bristol’s injuries fully healed and s/he was cleared for release.
How to Help:
You can help care for sea turtles in recovery at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital by going to http://www.scaquarium.org and making a donation. While online, you can also visit the Sea Turtle Hospital’s blog at http://seaturtlehospital.blogspot.com/ to track the progress of patients currently being cared for at the hospital. You can also find out more about visiting the hospital as part of a behind-the-scenes tour during your next visit to the South Carolina Aquarium.
For all media inquiries, please contact Kate Dittloff at (843) 579-8660 or kdittloff(at)scaquarium(dot)org
About the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program:
In partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program works to rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles that strand along the South Carolina coast. Located in the Aquarium, the Sea Turtle Hospital admits 20 to 30 sea turtles each year. Many of these animals are in critical condition and some are too sick to save.
According to SCDNR, over the last 10 years the average number of sea turtle standings on South Carolina beaches each year is 130. Of these, roughly 10% are alive and successfully transported to the Sea Turtle Hospital. To date, the South Carolina Aquarium has successfully rehabilitated and released 122 sea turtles and is currently treating 15 patients. The average cost for each patient’s treatment is $36 a day with the average length of stay reaching nine months.
About the South Carolina Aquarium:
The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbor and interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.
The South Carolina Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is open Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Admission prices are: Toddler’s (3 and under) free; Youth (4-12) $14.95; Adults (13+) $24.95. The Aquarium plus the 4-D Theater experience is free for Toddler’s, $19.95 for Children, $29.95 for Adults. The 4-D Theater experience only is $6.95 for Children and adults, and free for Members. For more information call 843-720-1990 or visit scaquarium.org. Memberships are available by calling 843-577-FISH.
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Kate Dittloff, South Carolina Aquarium, http://www.scaquarium.org, 843-579-8660, [email protected]
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