Green (Chelonia mydas)
Stranding Location: Garden City, SC
Arrival Date: 3/29/26
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 2.74 kg (6.04 lbs)
Case History
This juvenile green stranded upside down on the beach in Garden City! While first assumed to be deceased by beach goers, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) volunteers confirmed Mustard was alive and promptly transported this patient to the Aquarium.
Treatment
Upon arrival, Mustard was active and breathing well on her/his own. We started by taking an internal body temperature, which was 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, we want to see turtles closer to 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, Mustard was not critically ill — initial bloodwork and heart rate were relatively normal and s/he was thin but not emaciated. It is likely that Mustard just got a little too chilly from the abrupt temperature swings we have experienced this month! To help Mustard feel better, we administered fluids and vitamins. In addition, we noted that Mustard had a left eye ulcer and cloudiness in the right eye, so s/he was started on eye drops to treat these issues. Normally we immediately start patients on antibiotics, but not Mustard — s/he was too cold for the antibiotics to help yet. We will start additional medications when s/he has an internal body temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and can absorb them properly. We will begin slowly increasing Mustard’s temperature overnight by dry docking in a temperature-controlled room.
Updates
March 30, 2026: After resting overnight in dry dock to gradually warm up, Mustard’s body temperature was high enough to be swim tested in a tank. First, we started Mustard on antibiotics and administered more fluids and vitamins to help with hydration and energy levels. Mustard passed the initial swim test in a full tank in Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™! Throughout the day this green sea turtle was swimming steadily and navigating the tank well. However, after a long day of swimming, Mustard started to show signs of tiring. Sick patients with low glucose levels can burn through their energy quickly, so it is important to place them in shallow water to rest. We decided to move Mustard to a floating kiddie pool in the tank overnight to allow her/him time to regain strength. We will continue to give Mustard supervised swim time until s/he is strong enough to stay in the tank full time. Fingers crossed for Mustard!
April 15, 2026: Mustard sure has come a long way in these first few weeks of rehabilitation. Mustard has graduated from the kiddie pool and is now swimming in a full tank of water! Mustard’s appetite has also kicked in, which is a huge step towards stabilizing blood sugar levels and gaining the energy and nutrients needed to heal properly. These are all great signs that Mustard is well on the road to recovery!