Third Sea Turtle Admitted To Sea Turtle Rescue Program Within A Week



On Tuesday evening, October 23nd,  naturalists from Kiawah's Night Heron Nature Center were finishing a tour when they noticed something floating near the dock at Mingo Point. As they drew closer, they realized it was a small endangered green sea turtle. The little green was transported by Charlotte Hope from SCDNR to the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Hospital. Weighing only 1.9kg (4lbs), "Mini Ming" is the smallest green ever admitted into the Sea Turtle Rescue Program!

Blood gas values weren't too alarming but did show signs of dehydration. We will continue to monitor these levels due to lethargic behavior and state when initially rescued. Treatments included antibiotic and vitamin injections as well as fluid therapy to resolve dehydration. X-rays revealed a full GI tract and bone lysis in the left carpus. After treatments, Mini Ming was transferred to a small shallow water pool over night.

Scratches and moderate barnacle coverage of Mini Ming's carapace.

Taking a good breathe after being prepped for blood draw.

Biologist Whitney drawing blood. Blood gas values give details on Mini Ming's current state and to determine proper treatment.

Staff uses a doppler to get a heart rate.

Normsol fluids were administered using a catheter through the axillary region.

X-ray showing food in the GI tract and bone lysis to the left carpus.

Mini Ming, happy to be back in water after triage.

Mini Ming is now enjoying a larger tank and is resting comfortably at the bottom. We are not sure why the turtle was floating in the waters at Mingo Point but do know that it is what saved his/her life. Come visit Mini Ming and the other patients currently under the South Carolina Aquarium's care by taking one of our behind-the-scenes hospital tours. Huge thanks to the naturalists from Night Heron Nature Center and SCDNR for their help and assistance in the rescue and transport of Mini Ming!

Whitney Daniel 

Sea Turtle Biologist

May 18 sea turtle release photo blog

The threatenening rain held off for an amazing release of two loggerheads, Hamlin Creek and Jammer, on Friday, May 18th. What a perfect way to celebrate Endangered Species Day!

Hamlin Creek

Sea Turtle Hospital staff Whitney Daniel and Christi Hughes, release Hamlin Creek...

...in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd and under a grey sky.

Once Hamlin Creek hit the beach, there was no time wasted getting to deeper water.

Elly and Simmons were on the dock they day their family rescued Hamlin Creek last summer. So happy you girls were able to make it out for Hamlin's return to sea!

Jammer

Jammer was released by Ann Graham, Fire Chief on Isle of Palms who helped rescue Jammer from the beach a year ago, and Bobby Ross, long time General Manager of Windjammer Beach Bar (that Jammer is named after) where the Jammin for Jammer fundraiser was held in fall 2009. Look for another Jammin for Jammer at the Windjammer this fall!

 Jammer took off quickly but had the crowd laughing at his 360 degree turn before making his way into the water. Goodbye Jammer...

...and good luck!

Huge thanks to all who have been part of the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of these amazing sea turtles. They have touched the hearts of us all.

Kelly Thorvalson

'Ten Toes Up' pays a visit to the sea turtles

Ten Toes Up, a local band that originated in Pawley's Island, SC, recently played for a fantastic event at the South Carolina Aquarium, the Shark, Rattle and Roll. It was there that they found out about Sea Turtle Hospital located in the aquarium's basement and decided to visit later in the week.

Sea Turtle Biologist, Whitney Daniel, and interns Kathryn Sobczyk and Kate Bender, were on hand to introduce the band members and manager to the twelve sick and injured sea turtles in our hospital.

Ten Toes Up: Thanks for playing the Shark, Rattle and Roll, for visiting the Aquarium's Sea Turtle Hospital and for putting great music out there! Y'all rock!

To learn more about Ten Toes Up and listen to some of their tracks, go to http://www.tentoesup.com/.