Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
Stranding Location: Found in water in Charleston Shipping Channel
Arrival Date: 6/29/2017
Age: Adult
Weight: 73 kg (160 pounds)
Case History
Jacobs was found in the Charleston Shipping Channel by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) on the R/V Lady Lisa. Jacobs was pulled on board with a shark bite wound to her left front flipper. SCDNR Biologist Jeff Schwenter assessed the wounds and knew that Jacobs would likely need treatment at the South Carolina Aquarium. Michelle Pate and Jenna Cormany of SCDNR’s Marine Turtle Program responded quickly and transported Jacobs to the aquarium by boat where Sea Turtle Care Center staff picked her up. The wound was fairly fresh, likely only a couple of days old, and was bleeding when she arrived. Jacobs namesake is for Captain Jeff Jacobs, captain of the R/V Lady Lisa who is retiring this year after many years of service.
Treatment
Upon admit, blood was drawn for analysis, vitals were taken and the flipper wound was gently flushed to remove loose debris. Jacobs received antibiotics and vitamin injections. Luckily for Jacobs, she is in good body condition and is at a normal weight. Her blood values and vitals were normal. Before placing Jacobs in a bin to rest quietly overnight, her wound was sprayed with an antimicrobial spray to prevent any infection and promote healing. Jacobs also has an old and healed boat strike wound to the caudal portion (back end) of her carapace.
Updates
July 3 2017: Jacobs was placed in a tank in low water the morning after admission to assess her swimming abilities. She did very well! Her wound was almost completely covered in fibrin (scab tissue), and she ate one piece of fish. This morning we increased her water level to allow her to swim more normally. Her shark bite wound is completely covered in fibrin, and she is having no issues swimming with it. Overall, she is doing great!
July 15, 2017: Jacobs has really progressed since admit. She is eating a normal diet and maintaining her healthy admit weight. Her shark bite wound is covered in fibrin and staff is letting it heal on its own.
August 15, 2017: Jacobs is doing fantastic! The wound on the flipper is healing nicely. Jacobs is a great eater and loves to rest in the window of her tank!
September 15, 2017: Jacobs was moved into Sea Turtle Recovery last week. Visitors can come see Jacobs there now! Jacobs has been doing so well and staff will start evaluating her for release.
October 1, 2017: Jacobs has been cleared for release and will return home along with Sheldon, Caldwell and Jacobs on October 3 at 3 pm at Isle of Palms County Park.