Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

Stranding Location: Cape Lookout, North Carolina

Arrival Date: 11/24/2008

Age: sub-adult

Weight: ~100 lbs

Case History

NC is experiencing a cold-stunning event where water temperatures drop quickly and sea turtles don’t have time to migrate to warmer waters. They become “cold-stunned” and strand on the beaches. Over 60 turtles have stranded in NC so far due to this. Symptoms of cold-stun – listless behavior, frostbite and possible pneumonia.

Treatment

These animals were slowly warmed to the temperature of the water of the hospital tanks, given antibiotics to prevent pneumonia, injectable vitamins and are being carefully monitored.

Updates

3 December 2008: Godfrey is eating and doing well. Follow up bloodwork will be taken on December 10.

Release Date

04/05/2009

Release Location

Offshore