If you have made a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Hospital recently, you have
met our spunky loggerhead Gumby! His feisty attitude and curious nature always make
him a visitor favorite. If you are new to Gumby’s story, you can read about his
admission and his December update here. It is truly remarkable to see how far Gumby
has come just in one year!
 |
| Gumby was found stranded on the beach of Kiawah Island on June 26, 2011. |
Over the past 12 months with the help of a healthy diet, vitamins and exposure to UV light, staff and volunteers have watched drastic
changes in Gumby's size and demeanor. Upon admittance Gumby weighed only 6.5
pounds, had severe metabolic bone disease, and was extremely lethargic. He is now 6 times that original weight, weighing in at 39 pounds and has also almost doubled in length. We also
have seen a significant change with his demeanor, watching transform into the feisty
sea turtle he is today.
 |
| Plastron comparison of Gumby over the year. |
 |
| Profile comparison showing not only Gumby's changes physically but also the vibrant change in coloration. |
 |
| A great shot to fully grasp how Gumby has grown in just one year! |
Regardless of Gumby's troubled past, his natural instincts
are still present. Gumby shows off his hunting abilities in the video below
enjoy!
Come see Gumby's remarkable changes first hand on one of
tours!
Whitney Daniel
Sea Turtle Biologist
