Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Stranding Location: Pawley’s Island, SC

Arrival Date: 09/21/2017

Age: Juvenile

Weight: 1.58 kg (3.5 pounds)

Case History

Charlie was found stuck in pluff mud on Pawley’s Island and most likely stranded at low tide. Charlie was lucky to have been found soon after high tide, as he would have been out in the hot South Carolina sun until the next high tide, almost 6 hours later! Charlie appeared to have no external injuries, but South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) volunteer transporter Terry Graham quickly brought this adorable little patient to us for treatment.

Treatment

Upon admit, Charlie was fairly alert and active! Due to the fact that he was exposed to the hot afternoon sun, his body temperature was pretty high. A physical exam, radiographs and a blood draw was done to better assess why he may have stranded. Both blood work and x-ray results were within normal limits, indicating he was just slightly dehydrated. Subcutaneous fluids (under the skin) were administered, along with some vitamins to help aid in re-hydration, and he was placed in a tank with a normal water level.  Charlie is one of the smallest green sea turtle patients we have ever admitted!

Updates

September 21, 2017: Charlie is settling in well so far. He has already been offered greens and loves them! We are hoping that Charlie will be able to be released quickly, as he appears to have just been at the wrong place at the wrong time when the tide went out.

October 1, 2017: We are happy to report that after two weeks, Charlie has been medically cleared for release. Due to Charlie’s size and life stage, we are releasing Charlie via boat in an area that his frequented by green sea turtles.