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