"Guardian"
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Coast Guard Beach, Dare County, NC
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12/13/2010
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juvenile
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9.66 kg (~21 lb)
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In an effort to help North Carolina facilities overwhelmed by a large number of cold-stunned sea turtles that stranded in early December, nine sea turtles were transferred to the SCA's Sea Turtle Hospital on 13 December 2010. Guardian, a juvenile 7.1 kg Kemp's ridley, is one of two Kemp's ridleys received from NC.
Guardian's heart rate was comparatively strong upon arrival at 36 bpm. This little ridley received a complete physical exam, antibiotics, fluids, and vitamin B complex during admission procedures. S/he initially refused to eat on her own, but we discovered s/he loves mackerel and shrimp and s/he's been eating well since 19 December.
1/15/2011: Recent radiographs show that Guardian is currently clear of osteomyelitis, a bone infection we commonly see in ridleys and are currently treating Hyde for. Blood work values are fairly good with the exception of a slightly elevated WBC count.
2/8/2011: Guardian's body condition is excellent, and radiographs today confirmed this turtle is not suffering from osteomyelitis. Guardian is doing well!
5/7/2011: Enjoy your freedom, Guardian!
05/07/2011
Ise of Palms County Park @ 5:00 P.M.
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Photo thanks to Barbara Bergwerf
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