Green (Chelonia mydas)

Stranding Location: Cape Cod Bay, MA
Arrival Date: 11/27/22
Age: Juvenile
Weight: 3.50 kg (7.7 lbs)

Case History

This turtle is one of many that stranded up in the New England area due to cold stunning, the sea turtle equivalent of hypothermia. New England Aquarium admits hundreds of turtles during the colder winter months; this year, we were able to take in 15 of these turtles to help lighten their load. We coordinate with New England Aquarium and a non-profit called Turtles Fly Too to transport the turtles here. Many thanks to pilot Steve Bernstein and his son Owen for flying them from New England down to Charleston!

Treatment

On admit, Venus was rather strong. They had high energy levels, a healthy heart rate and good respiration rates. Most cold stuns strand with pneumonia, but diagnostic imaging showed us that Venus’s lungs were clear! Overall, their exam was within normal limits, and they were in fairly good body condition which is great to see! Even though their exam was fairly normal, it was still decided to put them on antibiotics. Due to them being in pretty good shape (besides being chilly), it was decided to place them in a full tank of water on the night of their admit. And they looked great!

Update

December 15, 2022: Venus did not show a strong interest in eating for the first few days. But once they started, they were eating all of their fish and veggies like a champ! So far, they have shown us that they are not a huge fan of vitamins, but after a few attempts they’ll eat them for us! Venus will be with us for a few months as they continue to recover from cold stunning.

January 15, 2023: Venus is one active turtle! They are no longer receiving antibiotic injections and are now on a weighted diet.

February 15, 2023: This little green was able to make a quick recovery in rehab! Based on bloodwork, a physical exam and many other bench marks, it was decided that it was time for Pisces to go home! They made the trek down to Little Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville, Florida to be released in warmer waters along with eight of their turtle friends. Wish them luck out in the big blue!