green (Chelonia mydas)

Stranding Location: North Carolina

Arrival Date: 12/28/2009

Age: juvenile

Weight: 1.8 kgs (~ 4 lbs)

Case History

Cluse is one of approximately 100 sea turtles that stranded in a large cold-stunning event off the coast of North Carolina during Christmas week. After being temporarily held at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, Cluse was transported with several other sea turtles to the SC Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital for long term care. Cluse is named after Wendy Cluse of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission; Wendy Cluse was an instrumental part of the rescue of these cold-stunned turtles.

Treatment

Cluse was the most lethargic of the 9 sea turtles that arrived on 28 December 2009. Upon arrival, Cluse immediately recieved fluids and vitamins via subcutaneous injections and was placed in a shallow pool of brackish water. The antibiotic regimen started in NC to combat the onset of pneumonia will be continued here.

Updates

26 January 2010: This little green turtle was moved into a large filtered tank recently and is doing well. Radiographs show Cluse’s lungs are clear and free of pneumonia following the completion of his antibiotic regimen. Minor damage to the upper right portion of Cluse’s shell near his front flipper (visible in the picture) is being treated, and Cluse remains slightly underweight, so we are carefully monitoring his diet to promote gradual weight gain.

Release Date

05/01/2010

Release Location

Isle of Palms County Park, SC