The release of Talbot yesterday (12/28/09) at the Cape Canaveral Sea Shore was successful!  With the support of the Georgia Aquarium, she was given a satellite transmitter prior to her release so we, and YOU, can follow his/her journey on seaturtle.org, just CLICK HERE!

Unfortunately Caton‘s release yesterday was not successful. When placed on the sand, she did not take the initiative we expected to enter into the water. After giving her ample time to enter the sea on her own, we tried to assist her by bringing her a little farther out, however she became very lethargic and susceptible to the waves that kept pushing her back onshore. After 30 minutes of trying to release her, Dr. Norton did not feel comfortable with her behavior and decided to bring her back to the GSTC.

At this time, we are unsure as to why Caton reacted in this manner, nor do we know when we will try to release her once again, however it will unlikely be before the spring. We will continue to monitor her progress and, hopefully, get here released next spring/summer.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding!  On behalf of the GSTS Staff, we hope you have a safe and happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

Caton

Caton and Talbot, 2 loggerhead sea turtles, will be released on Monday December 28, 2009 from the Cape Canaveral National Sea Shore. The water temperatures are too cold in Georgia for a release this time of year; however, in the coastal waters of Cape Canaveral the temperatures are still safe and suitable for a release. The release site will occur around 12pm on a beach on the north end of Cape Canaveral Sea Seashore, on the south end of the Volusia side. Both turtles are doing great and ready to go to their ocean home.

Talbot

There have been 200 sea turtles that have stranded along the New England coast since Mid-October and 60 turtles are being housed in just a few facilities. These were all cold-stunned cases. Over the past 2 weeks North Carolina has seen numerous cold-stunned turtles and all of their facilities are filled to capacity. Releasing Caton and Talbot will free up some much needed space at the GSTC to make room for 4 green turtles, a kemps and a loggerhead, which will arrive on Tues of next week.

We apologize for the short notice and tricky timing within the holiday season. As will all releases, this release is open to the public and we hope to see you there! Thank you for your understanding and support with this situation.

~Terry M. Norton, DVM, Director and Veterinarian

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday SEA-son!

~GSTC Staff  and Patients

We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give.
~Winston Churchill

Don’t let the spirit of giving fade as the holiday season comes to an end!  What a better way to start off the New Year than to add “volunteer at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center” to your New Year’s Resolution list! Giving of your time & talents can be the best gift of all, not only to those on the receiving end, but also to you as well! From the new things you will learn and the new people you will meet, to the difference you will make, volunteering is an opportunity and gift that keeps on giving! Here at the GSTC, there are several opportunities to volunteer such as in education, husbandry, research and the gift shop, all of which play an important role in the Center’s mission and sea turtle conservation efforts!

Visit (www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/join-us/volunteer) or call (912) 635-4076 and ask for Teddy or Jenn to learn more about HOW YOU can join our Volunteer Program and to complete an online volunteer application. Have a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to meeting you next year!

~Jennifer Breehl, GSTC Volunteer Management Member

This event is FREE with general admission to the Center!

Check out the holiday magic from the 2008 event!

~Kelly Price, Education Specialist