Taylor Enjoys A Fish Pop!

Taylor was one of five sea turtles transported to the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Hospital on January 16, 2013. Out of 15 cold-stunned sea turtles transferred from the New England Aquarium, Taylor is the only loggerhead. Since arriving, Taylor has thrived in the hospital and has recently started enjoying a variety of enrichment we offer to our patients. S/he shows the greatest interest in fish pops which are offered once a week. A fish pop is simply fish frozen with water and because it floats at the  water's surface,  it is more challenging to eat. It is also beneficial to work the jaw muscles!

A fish pop!

 

Come see Taylor and 24 more patients on a behind-the-scenes tour!

 

Whitney Daniel

Sea Turtle Biologist

 
 

Because sea turtles can't surf the internet, continued...

We give several types of food enrichment and the one featured here is the fish pop. Fish pops are our take on a popsicle! Only the turtles don’t get a choice between grape and cherry. They get a choice between mackerel, smelt, capelin, or herring! We take a portion of their fish diet and freeze it into an extra large popsicle. It is a riot to watch the turtles nose the floating fish pop around the tank trying to get their mouths around it. The fish pop melts over time giving the turtles a tasty reward for their efforts. This type of enrichment breaks up the normal feeding routine while providing their daily allotment of food.

Enjoy the video of Santee with her fish pop!




Be sure to check in tomorrow to learn about two additional types of food enrichment!

Megan and Kelly