Small green sea turtle admitted to the Sea Turtle Hospital

The 6.5 pound green sea turtle with a propeller strike across the shell was picked up by the SCDNR Monday afternoon at Ripley Light Marina in Charleston and luckily, didn't have far to travel for medical attention. The injured turtle had been spotted over the weekend in the waters around the Ashley River but had just been able to be captured.
With preliminary bloodwork completed, hospital staff were elated to get a PCV of 26, an indicator that the turtle had not lost a lot of blood. The wound was flushed with copious amounts of saline and with every syringe, the turtle flinched with pain. In addition to subcutaneous fluids and an antibiotic injection, Ripley received pain medications to make "him" more comfortable. Finally, the wound was packed with silver-sulfadiazine, an ointment with antibacterial and antifungal agents, and placed in a small tub with wet foam overnight.

This wound is deep and it is difficult to see if lung tissue has been compromised. The prognosis is still guarded but we are hopeful for a full recovery.

Thanks to the folks at Ripley Light Marina for their assistance in rescuing this animal and to Arturo from SCDNR for transporting it to the Aquarium. Future updates will be posted on the main hospital webpage.

Kelly

Folly Beach sea turtle release

Saturday was a perfect day for a sea turtle release! South Carolina Aquarium staff and volunteers started setting up on Folly Beach around 2:30 pm and spectators gathered soon after, attempting to beat the crowds for a parking place and a good spot on the ropes. The release took place at 4 pm and hundreds were there to take it all in.

Below: Intern Kristen Jay from Folly Beach gives spectators a closer view before letting Surfer crawl to the water on "his" own. Once on the sand, the endangered Kemp's ridley didn't stop until he hit the water!

Below: Dr. Boylan and I give Santos a lift down the beach and much to the amusement of the onlookers, the loggerhead proceeded to turn around a couple of times. It only took a little encouragement for Santos to make his way to the water for a memorable release.

Thanks to all that are involved in making this happen - there are too many to name but you know who you are!

Kelly