Green (Chelonia mydas)
Stranding Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 4/18/24
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 2.55 kg (5.61 lbs)
Case History
A beachgoer spotted a little green sea turtle in distress in North Myrtle Beach. This turtle was covered in barnacles, algae and sand. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was notified and permitted members of the North Myrtle Beach Turtle Team safely transported the turtle to the Aquarium for treatment.
Treatment
It was clear that Strudel needed rehabilitation. This little green was covered in a lot of epibiota, and was thin and lethargic. Even with these ailments, we were pleased to see decent breaths and a consistent heart rate. Further examination showed that Strudel had severe corneal ulcers, was extremely dehydrated and had terrible bloodwork results. Based on these findings, the patient was started on eye drops, fluids, dextrose (sugar), antibiotics, calcium and other vitamins.
After all treatments were administered, we wanted to see if this turtle would be more comfortable in shallow water. Typically, we see patients respond better in water because that’s their natural environment. However, in Strudel’s case, even shallow water in a kiddie pool proved to be too much. We decided to place this little green in a wet dock so that s/he would be more comfortable. Respirations (breaths) were good for a bit, and then suddenly Strudel crashed and became unresponsive. We rushed Strudel back to the medical lab where we administered many lifesaving medications. Thankfully, after several rounds of medications and intubation, we were able to resuscitate Strudel.
Updates
April 24, 2024: Ever since Strudel’s admit, things have been slow moving but we are starting to see small improvements. Strudel has been moved from a wet dock to a shallow kiddie pool, has slightly higher energy levels, and today s/he even ate a few pieces of fish for the first time! Even with these improvements in mind, Strudel still has a very long way to go. This turtle’s blood values are poor, and the prognosis is guarded. Please send Strudel all your positive healing vibes!
May 15, 2024: Strudel had a fairly rough start to rehabilitation, but we are starting to see improvements. Since admit, Strudel has been promoted from a kiddie pool to staying in the tank overnight and is getting small water depth increases. We have also seen an increase in appetite. So far, so good, and let’s keep hoping these improvements continue!
June 15, 2024: Strudel has improved greatly this month. S/he finished antibiotics, has been gaining weight and has graduated to a full tank of water! Due to this incredible progress, Strudel recently moved upstairs to Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™ where you can now see her/him, so stop by and wave “shello” on your next visit!
June 28, 2024: It was an exciting day for this juvenile green sea turtle. After making a full recovery in our Sea Turtle Care Center, Strudel was released by boat today into a beautiful local saltmarsh habitat. Wish Strudel the best of luck out in the big blue!