Two Healthy Sea Turtles Back in the Open Ocean After Receiving Care at the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program
Charleston, SC (PRWEB) April 02, 2014 -- After almost 10 months of expert care, two large loggerhead sea turtles are once again swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Miss Royal and Nud were both brought to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program in June of last year, each with different medical problems. Both were released today by boat in the Gulf Stream where the water temperature is above 70 degrees. Sea turtles are cold blooded and a minimum temperature of 70 degrees is necessary to release them back into the wild. This release was made possible thanks to the generosity of Kevin and Sandra Gary who provided the boat for the trip out to the Gulf Stream.
About Miss Royal:
Miss Royal, a 215-pound female loggerhead sea turtle was captured by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources research vessel the Lady Lisa, off of Beaufort County. Miss Royal was found with a propeller wound to the right side of her carapace (shell) extending through her right rear flipper. The wound was flushed and treated, and a badly damaged portion of the rear flipper was successfully removed. After 10 months of expert care and a healthy diet, Miss Royal was cleared for release.
About Nud:
Nud, a 71-pound juvenile loggerhead sea turtle was found stranded on DeBordieu Beach suffering from a severe skin infection that caused a decline in health. Treatment included fluids, vitamin and antibiotic injections, as well as topical antibiotics and antifungal cream for the skin. Nud also received laser treatment to help accelerate the healing process. Nud spent 10 months in the care of Sea Turtle Hospital staff and volunteers and recently received a clean bill of health.
To track the progress of current patients in recovery visit our Sea Turtle Rescue Program Blog at scaquarium.org. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates from the hospital and to find out when the next public sea turtle release will take place.
How to Help:
You can help care for sea turtles in recovery at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital by going to scaquarium.org and making a donation. While online, you can also visit the Sea Turtle Hospital’s blog at scaquarium.org/category/sea-turtle-rescue-program to track the progress of patients currently receiving care. You can also find out more about visiting the hospital as part of a behind-the-scenes tour.
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 133. 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 107 sea turtles and is currently treating 18 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, +1 (843) 579-8660, [email protected]
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