Meghan goes with the flow and moves easily from task to task, never seeming to be surprised by anything that pops up. She surmised from her previous visits that the work would be hard, and that “cleaning and sanitation” would play a significant role in the rehabilitation process. In 2007 she worked on the other side of the world at a wildlife preserve in Australia, doing pretty much “everything.” Although she hasn’t had to resurrect her special skills for laying sod and repairing electric fences the one talent that does come in handy is cajoling her charges to eat. Apparently those Australian critters can be just as picky and demanding as our sea turtles when it comes to their cuisine. Meghan’s advice to anyone considering our internship is to “expect lots of hard work, but also expect to receive so much more in return through personal satisfaction. You don’t get this kind of hands-on experience anywhere else.”

Photo: Meghan demonstrates the fine art of scooping the last bit of water from a patient’s tank.

In a few short weeks Meghan returns to UNCW as a senior, with majors in Biology and Environmental Science. She is the Vice President of the International Student Volunteers program, and she spends much of her spare time recruiting interested parties for a 4-week tour of duty in various countries around the world. On weekends during the school year you’ll probably run into her at the Fort Fisher Aquarium at the touch tank, sea turtle exhibit or hosting the dive show. At the intern house she’s known as the “animal lady” because she’s brought along two Betas and her pet chinchilla, “Bonnie” to keep her company during the summer. If there’s any time left after taking care of sea turtles and her pets she’s most likely on the beach.

Sand Castles
Sometimes it seems that Topsail Island might be part of a new government homestead or public works project that we just don’t know about. While strolling the beach you don’t know whether to look down (for humongous, unattended holes) or up (for entire cities built under and around canopies that are sometimes strung together like town houses.) If you think it’s tough for us humans to navigate this kind of beach sprawl think about a 400-pound mama sea turtle loaded with eggs trying to make her way to the dunes through this obstacle course. Although only one of our towns (Surf City) has an ordinance on the books that prohibits leaving canopies up overnight it would be really thoughtful and decent of everyone to abide by that rule. And it’s not only canopies that get left behind: chairs, boogie boards, umbrellas and of course trash spoil the beach experience and the environment for everyone. Please remember to leave only your footprints behind as you exit our little bit of paradise.

Hospital Open House: Daily, except Wednesday and Sunday, from 2-4 PM. Our gift shop is also open during these hours. Lines can be long so come prepared with sunscreen and umbrellas for shade. Your minimum contribution of $2 per adult and $1 per child will help us reach that final $350,000 we need to build our new facility, and anything above and beyond is greatly appreciated. We’re behind the big blue water tank in Topsail Beach.

Turtle Talks: Every Wednesday through Labor Day from 3:45 - 4:45 PM at the Surf City Community Center. It’s informative, family-oriented fun with hands-on turtle stuff and handouts for all ages. Our program is free but donations are gratefully accepted. Last week two young ladies presented us with $41, the entire proceeds from their lemonade stand. Thanks and flipper hugs to Natalie Stow and Lauren Terry for devoting their Tuesday to raising funds for our turtles.

Topsail Turtle Project
We’re edging up on 40 nests as of this writing, with about a month and a half to go in the “official” nesting season. Please be vigilant for nesting, injured or stranded turtles. And remember that these are federally protected animals. Harassing or interfering with them in any way is punishable by a hefty fine and/or imprisonment. Please report any incidents of nesting, injury, stranding or harassment to our Director of Beach Operations, Terry Meyer at 910-470-2880 immediately.

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