Update on Yawkey the Leatherback Sea Turtle | South Carolina Aquarium

Update on Yawkey the Leatherback Sea Turtle

Mar 10

Update on Yawkey the Leatherback Sea Turtle

Yawkey, a 500-pound leatherback sea turtle being treated in the Sea Turtle Hospital is showing improvements and is expected to return to the wild within the next two days. The immature turtle was found stranded on Yawkey South Island Reserve near Georgetown, S.C. on Saturday, March 7.

March 10, 2015 updates:

  • Yawkey has no external wounds. Sea turtles don’t strand unless they have a medical issue and Sea Turtle Hospital staff remain unsure of why s/he stranded.
  • S/he is being treated with supportive care fluids, antibiotics and vitamins.
  • S/he is regaining energy, which indicates an improvement in health!
  • Based on reproductive maturity, Yawkey is estimated to be around 10-15 years old.
  • S/he was accurately weighed at 475 pounds, which is very close to the 500 pounds that staff estimated when s/he arrived in the hospital.
  • The Sea Turtle Rescue Program staff is working with SCDNR to determine the best suited location to release Yawkey in the coming days.
  • As long as his/her condition allows, guests are able to view Yawkey during daily behind-the-scenes tours at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., through a small window in the protective screen.
  • Check the Aquarium’s Facebook, Twitter and Istagram for photos, videos and updates!
  • To donate, click here.

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