Green (Chelonia mydas)
Stranding Location: Hilton Head Island, SC
Arrival Date: 5/2/2025
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 2.57 kg (5.65 lbs)
Case History
This juvenile green turtle was found washed ashore near the jetty on the north end of Hilton Head Island. Lavender was rescued and safely transported to the Aquarium by permitted South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) volunteers. The patient arrived thin, completely covered in epibiota and although debilitated, was alert and responsive.
Treatment
Upon physical examination, we observed that the thick layer of sand and algae on this patient’s carapace was going to make it hard to assess it for damage, capture clear radiographs and would provide us with an inaccurate weight. Lavender was taking good breaths and was alert and strong enough for us to begin carefully removing the nearly one-pound layer of mud and algae. We were pleased to see a gorgeous carapace despite a minor old wound. We took radiographs and a CT scan to assess Lavender’s internal organs and did not find anything concerning. Both rear flippers are missing a portion of them, but this appears to be healed fully. Lavender has clearly been sick for quite a while and the bloodwork confirmed s/he was anemic, dehydrated and nutritionally deficient. We began treating with antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and eyedrops to treat a corneal ulcer in the left eye. We wanted to get the patient in some water to rest and recover so we placed Lavender in a shallow kiddie pool until s/he is strong enough for deeper water.
Updates
May 4, 2025: Lavender has been making good progress over the last few days! We have begun offering small amounts of fish and veggies daily. While Lavender was slow to start eating at first, today she ate all of the fish we offered and even a strip of zucchini for the first time! This is a huge step towards helping Lavender regain strength and energy to put towards healing. We will continue to increase Lavender’s diet gradually over the next few weeks until s/he is eating an appropriate amount of food. Lavender was even strong enough to be swim tested out of the kiddie pool today in a half-full tank of water. S/he swam well and showed initial bursts of energy, but grew tired after less than an hour, so we moved Lavender back into the kiddie pool to rest. We will continue to offer swim time daily until Lavender is strong enough to handle deeper water full time. Fingers crossed for this cute, crusty little green sea turtle!