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Green (Chelonia mydas)
Stranding Location: Hilton Head Island, SC
Arrival Date: 8/9/2023
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 3.07 kg (6.75 lbs)
Case History
On August 9, a local resident spotted a juvenile green sea turtle stranded on Hilton Head Island in the pluff mud. The resident reported the turtle to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and Hilton Head Island Sea Turtle Patrol Team members responded. Thanks to the collaborative efforts from the community, this sick sea turtle was able to safely make it to the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center ™.
Treatment
Java arrived to the Care Center with decent energy levels, a strong heart rate, and s/he was taking decent breaths. During the turtle’s examination it was noted that s/he had a heavy barnacle load, a few lesions and appeared to be underweight. Java had strong jaw tone, meaning it was difficult to get a good look in her/his mouth. We unexpectedly found a rusty fish hook in the mouth. A radiograph was taken, and the patient was sedated in order to accomplish a safe hook removal attempt. Thankfully it was a fairly quick and easy hook removal! Unfortunately, there appears to be a lot of trauma to the mouth from this fish hook.
Since Java was already sedated, staff decided to conduct a CT scan. This diagnostic imaging showed that Java has a very full GI tract and a slight case of pneumonia. Due to all of our findings from imaging and bloodwork it was decided to start her/him on antibiotics, fluids, and calcium injections. After all medical treatments and assessments were completed, Java’s energy levels were strong and staff felt comfortable placing her/him in a tank of water. Those instincts were right because Java was swimming levelly, taking great breaths and even defecated!
Updates
Stay tuned for updates on Java!
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