Phil, a juvenile Kemp’s Ridley turtle, swam out to deep water Friday, August 27, 2010. It was found with a fishing line wound around its neck. After a rehabilitative stay at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Phil was ready to be released. AmeriCorps members who will finish their work on the end of the month celebrated its swimming away.
Phil’s Release video (click here)
“There’s not a day yet that has been the identical, routine, or boring at the Sea Turtle Center. This morning we went in with the thought that we would be doing the “usual” while on duty. We logged what the sea turtles would be eating for the morning and began to feed and give the sea turtles their vitamins and daily medicine regiment when we were told that we would be helping the husbandry staff take Caton, one of the sea turtles at the center, to the beach today to help with the release. The Sea Turtle Center has tried to release Caton before but the turtle had other plans. The staff members loaded Caton up and we all jumped in the van. Everything happened so quickly. I could hardly believe that we were invited along!
Once at the beach, it took ten of us to carry Caton down in a tub. With help, Dr. Norton put Caton on the beach….nothing. Then Dr. Norton moved Caton into the water a little bit. Dr. Norton gave Caton a little pep talk. You know the usually sea turtle advice-watch out for boat propellers, look for crab to eat, etc. Still, no movement from Caton. Eventually, Caton began to swim in the ocean. We stayed out there watching Caton swim parallel to the shore for over an hour. After more time had passed and much patience from Dr. Norton, the decision was made to bring Caton back to the center. I guess that Caton likes the Sea Turtle Center just as much as we do!”
~Jamie Carson, Rising Starr Middle School
Thanks for reading!
~Alicia Marin, GSTC Education Coordinator
“Hello Sea Turtle Fans!
Today was an exciting day at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. After starting the morning cutting food, cleaning out tanks, and answering questions for the guests at the Sea Turtle Center, we were able to witness a successful release of three of the hospital’s success stories. One of the Sea Turtle Center’s goals is to rehabilitate turtles that have been brought in and release them back into the wild. Pico, Kempline, and Varun were released into the ocean. It was wonderful to be able to see the culmination of all the hard work of the staff and volunteers at the center. It was rather emotional.
One by one, Dr Norton, along with a staff member, walked each turtle out in the ocean about waist-high and then released them. The crowd anxiously awaited the sign that each turtle had taken off. Each time as the crowd got the sign, a sigh of relief along with a huge cheer rang out. This was definitely a treat and the reason for all the hard work from everyone who dedicates their life to conservation, rehabilitation, and education.”
Taran Swanson, Rising Starr Middle School
Thanks for reading!
~Alicia Marin, GSTC Education Coordinator
April 24th marked the 6th annual Marine Science Center‘s Turtle Trot up on Tybee Island, GA and the second year in a row that the GSTC team was there to release some of our sea turtle patients back to the ocean. This year we were saying goodbye and good luck to Kera and Mr. Hyde. Both are sub-adult loggerheads who came to us from North Carolina as cold-stun patients (see April 20th blog for more information!). After a few months of care by the GSTC staff, Kera and Mr. Hyde were ready to go.
Mr. Hyde returning to his home
Before being released and in addition to flipper tags and a PIT tag, both Kera and Mr. Hyde had satellite transmitters placed on their carapace. This allows us to track their travels during the first few weeks of their return home. Check our website for more information if you would like to follow these turtles as well.
Kera ready to return home
The Turtle Trot race started off the day bright and early at 8:30am. The GSTC Education Staff was there with a booth about the center and some turtle specimens for participants and onlookers to enjoy. Scute, the GSTC mascot, made a guest appearance greeting the runners and families as they came off the beach. The turtles arrived on Tybee in the GSTC van around 9:30 am. As the race concluded, many of the runners and other participants gathered on the beach to see our turtles off. Mr. Hyde was released first, followed by Kera. In front of a large crowd, both turtles made their way into the water. As everyone watched, we could see them surface for air a few times while they swam further into the ocean.
Kelly and Elissa Educating the Public
It was exciting to see so many people come out for another successful release. Thank you to all who participated, and remember to check back for details on upcoming releases.
GSTC Staff at Tybee Turtle Trot Release
Sincerely,
Elissa Monahan and Heather McCarn
AmeriCorps Sea Turtle Night Patrol Members
PS Kera and Mr. Hyde will be eligible for adoption as Option #2 soon! Keep an eye on the website!
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
This January there was a large cold stunning event in Florida during which approximately 5,000 turtles were stranded. Some of those turtles came here to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
(Photo courtesy of Florida Fish & Wildlife)
Among them were Fria, Titimela, and Boreous. All three were green sea turtles and their names mean ‘cold’ in foreign languages. Fria and Titimela were juveniles from Indian River Lagoon, FL and Boreous was a sub-adult from Eddy Creek,FL.
On an absolutely beautiful March 24th day, part of the GSTC staff and AmeriCorps Members made the four hour drive down to Mosquito Lagoon on the Cape Canaveral National Seashore in Florida to release these three. The turtles were placed in foam-padded tubs and transported in the back of GSTC van.
Boreous on his way to the water.
Boreous, the first to go, was placed on the sand a few feet from the shore. He immediately made his way to the water and swam off.
Titimela taking a breath.
Titimela and Fria were placed in the water. Fria took off right away, while Titimela swam a few small circles before venturing off into deeper water. The team watched from the edge of the water, as the turtles each came up to breathe, until they were all out of sight.
Jessica carrying Fria to the water.
The day was complete and all three turtles had made it to the sea. It was an amazing event filled with lots of pictures and smiles. Although it was bittersweet to see them go, we know they are better off swimming in the open ocean where they are free to roam the waters. We wish them all the best in their travels.
(From L to R) Rachel, Steven, Jessica, Elissa, Chrissy, Renee, Lisa, Christina, Joseph
Keep checking back on our website and BLOG for information on upcoming releases!
Sincerely,
The GSTC Staff
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
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