Thursday, August 16, 2012

Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Released After One Year in Rehab

Two loggerhead sea turtles rescued on Isle of Palms at the  have been released following a year's worth of rehabilitation thanks to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program.

Jammer Before and After

Both turtles were brought to the center near death, according to an Aquarium news release. After a full recovery, the Aquarium is partnering with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission.
Here is a bit of information on each turtle:

Heading Home
Jammer is a 93-pound juvenile loggerhead sea turtle. S/he was rescued on the Isle of Palms near the Windjammer beach bar in April of last year. When brought into the hospital by SCDNR, Jammer was extremely debilitated, suffering from emaciation, dehydration, and had a heart rate of only 7 beats per minute.

  Upon admittance, there was concern that Jammer had neurological damage because s/he was swimming in circles in the same direction, but after several weeks of intensive care, Jammer began swimming normally. Treatment included antibiotics, fluids, vitamin injections, barnacle removal and treatment for shell damage due to secondary infection. After more than a year of treatment, Jammer is finally ready for the journey back into the Atlantic Ocean!

Celebration for All
Hamlin Creek is a 75-pound juvenile
loggerhead sea turtle found in Hamlin Creek, also located on the Isle of Palms. S/he was rescued in June of last year suffering from severe dermatitis, dehydration, and had poor blood work.

  Treatment for Hamlin Creek included fluids, vitamin injections, and antibiotics. Since being admitted to the Sea Turtle Hospital, Hamlin Creek has gained weight and his/her skin has fully healed. Feisty and healthy, Hamlin Creek is ready to venture back into the open ocean.

7 comments:

  1. This is so exciting! I love hearing about these type stories

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    1. Thanks, Heather, for your comment. It is exciting when such a thing as this happens because of caring people!

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  2. Hi Nancy,
    I'm so glad to hear that these two turtles survived their trauma and are being rehabilitated. It's great news.

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    1. Hi, Barbara,

      So am I. It could have been such a sad story. Thanks for your comment!

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  3. Wow, that is awesome! They look healthy and so happy to be returning to the ocean. May they both have a wonderful life.

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    1. I couldn't agree more, Susanne, and I wish them the same! Many thanks for your lovely comment.

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  4. I love success stories like this. We need to save all these magnificent creatures that we can.

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