On Wednesday, July 14th, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Georgia Aquarium jointly released sea turtles on Jekyll Island.
Credit: Shot and edited by Jessica Malnik (Jekyll Island website)
Check out this story from WTOC in Savannah about the sea turtles that were released on Jekyll Island Wednesday afternoon.
That’s right! Kera & Mr. Hyde, 2 juvenile loggerhead sea turtles afflicted by cold stunning during this past winter are going to be released!
KERA
MR. HYDE
First, a little background…..
Both Kera and Mr. Hyde (along with a 3rd turtle, Rostrum) were found in North Carolina. All three (along with many others) were diagnosed as ‘cold stunned’. What is cold stunned you ask? Since sea turtles are ectothermic (aka ‘cold blooded’), their body temperature adapts to their surrounding environment. If it gets too cold, their body shuts down. Eventually they cannot move their flippers, which means they can’t dive, which means they can’t eat. Essentially, they begin to freeze….think of it like a human who gets hypothermia. Kera and Mr. Hyde were originally treated at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail, N.C., but because they were overrun by all the cold-stunned turtles and had run out of space, they asked if we could take a few off their hands.
Once they arrived at the GSTC, we proceeded to give them an exam to determine treatment. Kera, short for ‘Keratin’, had a lot o keratin missing from her carapace (keratin makes up the scutes that cover her shell). Mr. Hyde, on the other hand, defecated a pink balloon! More proof that balloons and other trash pollution are harmful to sea turtles, as well as other marine life.
MR. HYDE
KERA
Both turtles received a final exam on Friday, April 16, 2010 and passed with flying colors! Both also received a PIT tag, flipper tags and a satellite transmitter. These transmitters (from Wildlife Computers) are different than the ones we typically use (from Telonics). They are smaller and lighter, more suitable for smaller turtles like Kera and Mr. Hyde. Battery power may not be as long, however. We’ll just have to see how they do!
Now that you’ve been briefed, let’s get to the details of the release:
When: Saturday, April 24, 2010
Where: Tybee Island, GA (CLICK HERE for directions)
Time: following the end of the 5K run/walk; approximately 10am
*Please note that all releases are tentative and subject to change (date, time and/or location) in the best interest of the turtle(s).
This release is occurring in collaboration with the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Every year they host a 5K run/walk fundraiser called Turtle Trot. Funds raised benefit the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project. Last year we released Blizzard, Snowball and Chilly Willy at this event, and it was a HUGE success!
We hope you will join us in saying goodbye to Kera and Mr. Hyde!
Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator
Marathon, Florida Keys
December 5 & 6, 2009
The Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital.
Each year, the Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital hosts an annual Sea Turtle Workshop at their facility in the Florida Keys. Sea turtle staffers and researchers, from all over the world, come together to discuss new data and interesting patient cases from the past year. As part of a small network of sea turtle hospitals, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center staff packed up and migrated south to join and share our experience and expertise with other facilities like ours!
Day one started off with formal presentations in true workshop style. The diversity of topics was unending: Leatherback blood mercury levels, neonate Australian Flatback behavior, 2009 nesting statistics, even future sea turtle facilities under construction. Of the 20 or so lectures, the GSTC staff had the highest Center representation with 5 presentations! There were so many changes at the Center to share since the 2008 conference: Dr. Terry Norton, Michelle Kaylor, Jeannie Miller, Stefanie Ouellette and Rachel Thomas spoke about the past, present and future of the GSTC, interesting patient cases, the start of the AmeriCorps program, sea turtle satellite tracking and the Adopt-a-Sea Turtle program at the GSTC.
Dr. Norton lecturing about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at the Sea Turtle Workshop.
Day two of the workshop included a hands-on Necropsy (animal autopsy) lab. The brave GSTC folks had the opportunity to perform two necropsies: a sub adult Loggerhead entangled in fishing line and also ingested a two inch fishing hook with fishing line embedded into his intestine; the second, a Green who perished from the effects of fibropapillomatosis, a type of herpes virus. This virus is becoming an epidemic among sea turtle populations worldwide. Although sad and unfortunate, these turtle necropsies offered an unmatchable learning experience. We’ll be able to put that knowledge to use as we see more and more cases in the coming years.
Dr. Terry Norton, Simon Dilts, Michelle Kaylor and Jessica Self performing a necropsy on a Loggerhead sea turtle.
Overall, the short trip to Marathon was a great experience! I personally enjoyed learning about the other facilities and research, as well as meeting people who share the same interest and passion of sea turtle conservation. I also left feeling very grateful to be a part of the GSTC. This center has done so much for sea turtle conservation in a very small amount of time.
Thank you,
Jessica Self
GSTC Americorps Education Member
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
Looking for a unique holiday gift idea? Looking to give something that gives back? Well you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few suggestions from your friends at the GSTC:
ADOPT-A-SEA TURTLE ($50)
The recipient of a sea turtle adoption will surely enjoy their gift! They will receive a letter from ‘their’ turtle, a 5×7 photo, a certificate of adoption and access to ‘their’ turtle’s password protected webpage! If their turtle receives a satellite transmitter, or you choose a turtle that has already been released with a transmitter, they’ll be able to follow their turtle’s journey!
GSTC MEMBERSHIP ($35-5,000)
Did your friends of family LOVE their visit to the GSTC? Why not by them a GSTC Membership! We offer 6 levels from Individual to Lifetime. The various levels come with a variety of benefits, however all Memberships including FREE admission to the GSTC for 1 whole year, 10% discount off merchandise in the GSTC Gift Shop, 50% discount on Turtle and Nest Walks, and access the password protected Member’s ONLY page on our website which includes a Member’s ONLY edition of the GSTC’s quarterly newsletter Caretta Chronicles! How can you beat that?!
PERSONALIZED BRICK on our Walkway to Wonder! ($100 or $500)
What could be more special than a personalized brick on the GSTC Walkway to Wonder? Either surprise them with a personalized message for them or let them create their own message..either way you can’t beat this gift! And the best part is, you can visit it over and over and over!
All three of these options can be purchased at the Center, by calling 912-635-4444, visiting out website, downloading the correct forms and mailing or faxing them to us, or through our online store! But hurry, processing and deliver can take 2-4 weeks!
We also have a variety of merchandise available in our gift shop (and we are currently running a 10% off holiday discount on merchandise (in store only-see previous BLOG)) and on our online store!
So whether you are buying a gift for someone else or treating yourself, please know that for all purchases made, whether it’s an adoption, membership, brick or merchandise, ALL proceeds go towards offsetting the operation costs of the GSTC, includeing the rehabilitation of sea turtles, equipment, research, and educational programming to promote conservation and awareness.
On behalf of the entire GSTC staff, I would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season!
Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator
Miss the last turtle release because you ate too much Shrimp and Grits to get to the beach? Well, have no fear! We’re having another turtle release next week during the 7th Annual Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding & Nature Festival will take place October 8th-12th on Jekyll Island and along the GA coast!
Who are we releasing you ask? TUNICATE and CATON!!! Both sub-adult loggerhead sea turtles will be released with satellite transmitters attached to their carapace so we can track their journey as they enter back into the wild blue yonder. From this data, we hope to gain valuable information about sea turtle behavior, foraging grounds and migration patterns. CLICK HERE to learn more about satellite tracking!
TUNICATE
CATON
Caton received her transmitter on Thursday, October 1, and all went well. Tunicate will be receiving his transmitter on Monday, October 5. We’ll begin this procedure at approximately 11am, and will be viewable through our treatment room window in our Exhibit Gallery! So come on down!
This will most likely be our last turtle release until next spring since the ocean temperatures are quickly falling. So DON’T MISS OUT! Here are all the details:
*All releases are subject to change at any time (date, time, location) as determined by the GSTC staff, in the best interest of the turtles.
Shortly after their release, Tunicate and Caton will be available as an Option #2 adoption. These funds will offset costs of satellite time and data management for the duration of time they transmit a signal. Check our website for more information on our Adopt-a-Sea Turtle Program!
Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator
On September 20. 2009 at the end of Jekyll Island’s Annual Shrimp and Grits Festival, the GSTC successfully released 3 rehabilitated turtles back into the wild:
Pumpkin (loggerhead): Pumpkin received a satellite transmitter prior to her release. CLICK HERE to follow her journey on seaturtle.org. Soon you’ll also be able to adopt Pumpkin (as Option #2)! Please visit our website for more information on our Adopt-A-Sea Turtle Program or to purchase and adoption!
Night Watch (loggerhead): Night Watch was too young/small to receive a satellite transmitter. She still had a dorsal ridge down her carapace, and placing a transmitter would have been difficult, possibly not yield accurate data and potentially cause problems for Night Watch in regards to balance. But she sure did let the crowd know her final thoughts as she made her way from the beach to the ocean!
and Skidaway (Kemp’s ridley): Skidaway was also too small to receive a satellite transmitter. The transmitter would have been too big and heavy for such a small turtle!
Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator
That’s right! We are planning to release 3 turtles: Pumpkin, Night Watch and Skidaway on Sunday, September 20, 2009 during the last day of Jekyll Island’s Annual Shrimp and Grits Festival!
As most of you probably know, Pumpkin (LEFT), a sub-adult Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle, was supposed to be released on May 13, 2009 during our Annual Nest Fest event. However, due to complications observed after the transmitter placement, we decided not to release Pumpkin, in his/her best interest.
Now that Pumpkin’s infections have cleared up and he/she has been taken off of antibiotics, has sunk to the bottom of her tank, and is eating normally, it’s time to let her go! You’ll be able to track Pumpkin after his/her release on www.seaturtle.org (please be patient, it usually takes a few days for the tracking page to come up) and you’ll also be able to adopt Pumpkin as an Option #2 turtle through the GSTC’s Adopt-a-Sea Turtle Program! (*Option #2 adoptions help to offset additional costs attributed to the satellite transmitters after release. We have to pay for ’satellite time’ and data management for as long as the turtle transmits a signal!)
Night Watch (RIGHT), a young sub-adult Loggerhead sea turtle, is also ready for release. She was found by the Georgia Bulldog (a sea turtle research vessel) and brought to the Center for care. He/she has responded very well to treatment and is ready for release!
Night Watch will not be getting a satellite transmitter due to her size and prominent dorsal ridge that is still evident on her carapace (shell). This ridge is normal for loggerhead sea turtles of this size class, and with time, will eventually smooth out. This ridge would require us to place the transmitter off-center and could yield in inaccurate data, not to mention potentially making the turtle feel ‘off balance’. Night Watch will still receive a final exam, flipper tags and a PIT tag.
And last, but not least, Skidaway. Skidaway is a small, juvenile Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtle. This is the rarest and most critically endangered species of sea turtle in the world! Skidaway has been with us since June 2009 from the Tybee Marine Science Center. Skidaway will also not be receiving a satellite transmitter due mostly to her size…the transmitter is too big and weighs too much for such a small turtle! She will receive a PIT tag.
Details:
When: Sunday, September 20, 2009
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: North side of the Convention Center on Jekyll Island, GA
This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, space is first come, first serve! So come on out and say good-bye and good luck with us to 3 wonderful patients!
Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator
*Please note that all releases are subject to change at any time (date, time, location, etc.) in the best interest of the turtle(s).
We’ve just added a new loggerhead sea turtle patient to our Adopt-a-Sea Turtle Program eligibility list (as Option #1)...Night Watch!
Night Watch was brought to the GSTC by the researchers upon the Georgia Bulldog, a retire shrimp trawler that has been converted into a sea turtle research vessel! The crew on board the vessel had to ‘watch’ the turtle all ‘night’ until they could get it to the dock for transportation to the GSTC for care!
In addition to Night Watch, we have many other sea turtles eligible for adoption including:
Option #1:In-House Patients
CATON
TUNICATE
Option #2: Successfully Released Patients with a Satellite Transmitter
CLICK HERE to learn more about our Adopt-a-Sea Turtle Program! Sea Turtle Adoptions make great gifts and educational projects for the classroom. Don’t wait, adopt a turtle today! You can purchase an adoption through our ONLINE STORE, downloading a FORM and sending by mail or fax, calling us at 912-635-4444 or visiting the Center!
Thank you again for all of your support!
Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator
