May 26
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Flipper to Flipper Physicals

Topsail Beach, NC - The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Sea Turtle Hospital News

 

 

Waiting for “to go”

It was a frantic twelve-hour day. The weather was cold and windy, our water system was not cooperating and we were looking at a list of thirty turtles that were slated for pre-release physicals. In addition to the regular Tuesday hospital staff we had a boatload of outside help: a class of graduate students from UNC-G, Wendy Cluse and Matthew Godfrey from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and our vet Dr. Craig Harms with his assistants in tow.

Once everyone and everything was in place the party started with the babies, mostly the little green cold-stuns that over-wintered with us. They’re used to being taken out of their tanks for baths, so they never suspected that there was more in store for them. Bathed, weighed and wrapped in towels they were handed over to volunteers who sang to them, patted them and generally did whatever it took to keep them calm. When their number came up they were out the door and into the tent where they were measured, tagged, had blood drawn and were given their final exam. The whole process went quickly and they were soon back in their tanks, none the worse for the ordeal.


Meanwhile, inside we were draining the big guys and gals, the ones that have spent years and/or months gorging themselves on our fine cuisine, the ones that have been just about chewing their way out of their tanks in an effort to self-release. Most of these critters hadn’t been dry-docked in many moons, and they were definitely not happy as the last bit of water gurgled out. Stressed turtles begin to change skin color rapidly and we had an entire pallet of pinks, magentas and purples as they became more and more upset about the entire process. Sea turtles are not generally vocal, but I know I heard a few sounds coming from them that did not need any translation. If a sea turtle doesn’t want to give blood they’ll attempt to pull in their heads like a tortoise. Luckily, besides not being physically capable of doing so, all of our patients have big fat necks. No matter how hard they squished there was still a large target to aim for. Eventually all donated to the cause and were measured and tagged. But with a cursed water system we spent many hours mixing fresh, warm water with the cold water from the sound, thousands of gallons of the stuff, to get them floating and happy again.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Left: "The doctor will be with you shortly."  Three little greens wait for their pre-release physicals.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Initial reports are looking good, with some of the blood-work on the larger turtles still under review. Jean will be going tank-to-tank with the news in the near future. Honestly, after caring for four-dozen turtles since last fall the volunteers are just as eager as the patients to start waving good-by to each other! New admits are already streaming through our door. Unfortunately, it looks like we’ll have a full house of sick and injured turtles even before summer arrives. Let’s hope we don’t have to start a “wait list.”

 

Topsail Turtle Project Update

There’s already one nest as of this writing, and now that we’re sneaking up on the end of May it shouldn’t be long before those stakes and orange tapes start popping up all along the island. In addition to our trained beach walkers, residents and visitors can assist in our efforts by being extra vigilant for nesting or stranded turtles. If you see either, contact our Director of Beach Operations, Terry Meyer @ 910-470-2880 immediately. 

“Turtle Talk” Returns

Lilmar’s popular “Turtle Talk” program returns to the Surf City Community Center on Wednesday, May 27th. This family event is a great introduction to sea turtles, with plenty of handouts and hands-on activities. The program is free and is held every Wednesday from 3:45 – 4:45 PM, through Labor Day. Bring your camera, and donations for our turtles are gratefully accepted.

“Tanks” again
To George Howard at On Shore Surf Shop for sending his pal, Josh to our rescue when several of our fiberglass turtle tanks needed emergency repairs. You guys are a “glass act!” And thanks to Jason and Ed at Gideon for showing up with their magic bag and getting our heater running again. Flipper hugs!

Questions, comments or suggestions for stories
Contact me at flippers@embarqmail.com.

 

 

Posted by Karen Sota.

Filed under Sea Turtle News

Posted on Tue, 26 May 2009 at 4:16 pm

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