Have you ever held on to a particular piece of trash, thinking to yourself, “I better hold on to this; I may want to use it again  in the future?” Well, maybe YOU haven’t but the Education Staff at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center sure has! We have a whole room devoted to glorious goodies from the garbage! We often collect materials that would otherwise be on their way to a landfill to make unique sea turtle crafts. The 2010 Litter Critter Contest is a perfect example of our unwillingness to part with perfectly good trash.

The Litter Critter Contest has been designed to encourage local Glynn County 3^rd graders to be eco-friendly and sea turtle friendly by creating sea turtles out of recycled materials as part of the Sea Turtle Education Project (STEP).   Students will learn how sea turtles are affected by human activities both on land and in coastal communities. Additionally, they learn that by recycling in their classroom and at home, they can actually help conserve an endangered species. This contest also makes students more aware of their consumption, whether the items they use can or can not be recycled and what their recycling options are in Glynn County.

After completing the STEP educational programs, the GSTC will work with Elementary art teachers, classroom teachers, and students to create a sea turtle out of recycled materials. Last week, the GSTC staff began visiting local schools to assist the students in creating these works of art. Once complete, the recycled sea turtles will be placed in a central location in the school where the students, teachers, and school personnel will have the opportunity to vote on their top three. Those three will then be placed in the Litter Critter Contest and compete against recycled sea turtles submitted by students from other Glynn County Schools.

These recycled sea turtles will be on display at following locations:

• Saint Simons Island Library, March 23 – April 4^th
• Brunswick Library, April 5- April 10^th
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center, April 12- April 17^th
• GSTC website March 23 - April 16th

We invite the community and our virtual guests to visit these locations to vote on their favorite Litter Critter. The Litter Critter Contest finalists will be announced at the 2010 Shell-e-brate Earth Day Event at the GSTC on Saturday, April 17.

Many thanks to all Glynn County art teachers and students, for letting us visit their classrooms to make recycled masterpieces!

~Alicia B. Marin, GSTC Education Coordinator

So far it has been an exciting year here at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The arrival of the new year was followed by the arrival of several new patients! Over the past several weeks, we’ve added 22 new patients to the hospital resulting in a flurry of activity.

In the colder months of winter, it’s not uncommon to have an influx of patients that suffer from cold stunning.

Cold stunning is a condition where sea turtles suffer from hypothermia-like symptoms when water temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Excessive exposure to these cold temperatures can cause normal body functions to shut down. Sea turtles lose the ability to dive and are unable to forage, resulting in emaciation and dehydration. Many wash up on shore and become stranded.

Earlier this year, one Loggerhead Sea Turtle and four green sea turtles arrived from North Carolina with cold-stunning symptoms.

The loggerhead, aptly named ‘Lookout’is from Cape Lookout, NC. In addition to cold stunning, the turtle had a lot of epibiota, like barnacles and algae, on his carapace and plastron. Lookout also had a very strange puncture mark on his skin and plastron. We were unable to figure out what caused it, but the wound was healing nicely and he was released shortly after his arrival.

Jill, the little Kemps Ridley, arrived with small lesions on the plastron and skin, perhaps as a result of being tossed around in the surf. Jill was also skinny, but recovered quickly after a hefty diet of seafood.

Three greens, Carolina, Cape, and Crow, had secondary injuries that needed some atttention. Carolina has a large, but healing, abrasion on the top of her shell. Upon x-ray, Cape had a metal object that was detected in his GI tract. And Crow, with a boat strike injury to the carapace, has the most severe injuries. However, all the turtles are eating very well! When cold stunned turtles arrive at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, they are so sick that they often do not have the willingness to eat.  Their digestive system has been affected by the cold temperature. However, when a turtle is able to eat on their own, it could be an indication that their condition is improving.

Fortunately, the fourth and smallest of the new patients did not have any secondary injuries. Much like the fruit he resembles, this little turtle with a dark brown shell and green insides was named ‘Kiwi’.

As January pressed on, a huge cold stunning event took place along Florida’s coastline. Over 5000 turtles washed up along the east and west coasts, resulting in a massive stranding event and the need for facilities like the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to step in.

The first to arrive were 10 cold stunned green sea turtles from Mosquito Lagoon, Florida. After some good food and supportive care, we were able to release 10 of our new patients, including Lookout the Loggerhead. On January 13^th, Center staff drove south to warmer waters off the coast of Florida to release the rehabilitated turtles and returned with 12 new patients in critical need. With so many new patients, new names were needed in a hurry! The staff came together and each chose a name meaning “cold” in a different language, even adding some names from ancient mythologies. It was a fun way to bring the staff together by naming and helping our new sea turtle patients.

Since then, two more green sea turtles have arrived . Arthur is currently floating with his tail end up, due to a gas and fecal matter built up in his digestive tract. Surry is the victim of a boat strike. Both are receiving the best of care, even with so many other patients in house! As always, we’re keeping a watchful eye on all of our patients.

The start of the new year, new patients in need and witnessing the staff and volunteers coming together to help these turtles, it’s truly inspiring!

Renee Pascale

Americorps Education Member

EMMA’S DILEMMA

The ocean is the home to a little turtle I know.

I must warn you that her story contains some sorrow.

My little friend’s name is Emma, and she has a dilemma.

Sometimes, turtles get injured when they surface to breathe air.

A boat moving forward may bump into one there.

A propeller moves a boat forward; that is it’s purpose.

Emma and a boat collided at the ocean’s surface.

Injured Emma had washed ashore. We say, “She stranded.”

Don’t worry. She was not left abandoned.

Scientists picked her up and brought her here, fast.

The vet and rehab staff weren’t sure how long she’d last.

Her wound was severe; so she looked rather sickly.

We use honey to help heal Emma quickly.

A vacuum on her bandage at night helped Emma to sleep tight.

We wanted her shell to scar and be well.

Now, here is the issue.

She has infection in one type of tissue.

She is losing strength in her bones, which means she is fragile.

Wild sea turtles need to be strong and agile.

We worry for little Emma because of her dilemma.

We are still using honey on Emma’s shell.

We are also giving her antibiotics so that her infected bones won’t swell.

If you are saddened by Emma’s situation, you may feel compelled to make a donation.

We would appreciate any help we can get so that we will be less likely to fret.

If you live near, come and see our Emma, dear.

If you live far away, do not delay.  Read Emma’s story on this site, today.

~Amanda Noble, Education Member~

If you find a turtle on the beach that looks sick or injured, like Emma:

Call 1-800-2SAVE ME

For more tips, follow this link:

http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/about-us/found-turtles

If you would like to know more about Emma, visit the GSTC or follow this link :

http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/our-patients/sea-turtle-patients/current-patients

Thank you for your concern.

Why are we in great need?

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a department of the Jekyll Island Authority, is actively involved in rehabilitation of numerous sea turtles, many of which are new “cold-stunned” arrivals due to the prolonged cold weather along the Eastern seaboard. Thousands of turtles have been affected by cold-stunning in recent weeks and treatment facilities are scarce, so the GSTC is working with other agencies and organizations stretching from New England to Florida to treat new patients.

Ten cold-stunned green sea turtles arrived at the GSTC on January 7 for treatment. Eight of these, in addition to two previous cold-stunned turtles from North Carolina and a loggerhead, were released into warmer waters on January 13 after a six-hour drive to Fort Lauderdale, FL. On the same day, the GSTC picked up 12 new green turtles, all cold-stunned in Florida waters. Some of these new arrivals have begun eating and others are slowly adjusting to the new environment.

Currently the GSTC is treating 34 sea turtles, stretching its capacity in terms of space, resources, and personnel to meet the needs of endangered sea turtles and WE NEED YOUR HELP!  We are asking for a variety of donations from towels, to medical supplies, to monetary contributions. CLICK HERE to see a list of our much-needed items.

What is cold-stunning?

Cold stunning is similar to hypothermia in humans. As reptiles, sea turtles are ecothermic (cold-blooded) meaning they rely on their surroundings to generate heat. When the water temperatures fall, so do their body temperatures. As a turtle’s body temperature drops to 50 - 60 degrees F, its metabolism slows down and compromises its ability to swim, eat, and perform other necessary bodily functions. Some species, such as green sea turtles, are more susceptible than others to these changes, and the sudden drop in temperatures makes it more difficult for their systems to adjust. In this cold-induced lethargic state, its immune system is suppressed, making it susceptible to other short- and long-term problems such as dehydration, infection, diseases and pneumonia. Cold-stunned turtles become immobilized and float to the surface where they may become boat-strike victims or preyed upon, float in a debilitated state until they can’t survive, or wash up on shore and  exposed to colder air temperatures where their survival is jeopardized.

How are cold-stunned turtles treated?

Treatment is dependant upon how seriously the turtle is affected by the cold-stunning as well as other ailments. Turtles must be slowly re-warmed (4-5 degrees F per day), their blood work analyzed, rehydrated, treated as necessary for secondary problems with antibiotics or supplements, and monitored for additional problems that may arise over time. Of course, their diet must be controlled and other health factors examined periodically.

Can cold-stunned turtles be released?

Once sea turtles are healthy, it is preferable to return them to the ocean. They are wild animals, not pets, and will survive best if returned to their natural environment.  Release of turtles cannot occur until both the turtle is healthy and the water conditions are favorable (mid-60 degrees as a minimum). Favorable weather and water conditions may not occur for several months, depending upon the location of the turtle’s release.

Thank you for your assistance and support!

Sincerely,
Jim Squires, Ph.D.
General Manager

We LOVE our teachers!

As a thank you to coastal Georgia educators and administrators, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center would like to invite you and a guest to enjoy a FREE night with the sea turtles! Come ‘sea’ what it’s all about! Enjoy this after hours visit with educational exhibits and recovering sea turtle patients. Educators will be on hand to share information about school field trip, outreach opportunities and you’ll have the chance to preview exceptional GPS correlated programming.

Registration and school identification is required.

Click here to reserve your spot now!

Free teacher materials and 10% off classroom resources will be

available in our Gift Shop.

Help spread the word to colleagues in your line of work! Lend us a flipper by printing and posting this flier in your school or office.

Make a night of it! Visit the new

Red Bug Motors Pizza and Pub

located right here on Jekyll Island!

(A $5 entrance fee to Jekyll Island State Park is required)

We’ll ’sea’ you there!

~ The GSTC Education Staff

Hello Turtle and Opera Enthusiasts!

My name is Amanda Noble.  I was born in 1986.  That same year, Andrew Lloyd Webber debuted a musical entitled, “The Phantom of the Opera.”  The great opera composer had adapted a 1911 novel, Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, by French writer Gaston Leroux.  Well, the Opera was a hit!  It is the longest running Broadway, NY musicals in history!  (http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com, “The Show,” “Facts and Figures”)

On July 30, 2009, naturalists from Little Saint Simon’s Island brought us a 96 pound, sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle.  The turtle was later named, “Phantom,” because of its facial injury.  Here is why:

Phantom was missing half of its face and left eye; we were stunned by this patient’s injury.  When we performed a full-body X-ray on this particular turtle, we found a fishhook embedded in the throat!  Based off of past turtle patients, it was assumed that Phantom swallowed the fishhook in order to eat the bait, the line was reeled in, and the propeller of the boat may have sliced off most of the top beak and an eye of the turtle.*

The Phantom of the opera house had a severe facial injury, like our sea turtle.  However, one key difference (besides species) is that the opera’s Phantom wore a mask.  Our turtle patient is exposed for patrons of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to view.  Phantom, the sea turtle, helps us explain the necessity for responsible fishing and boating practices.  Phantom is an obvious reminder that our behaviors can greatly affect the creatures that live on this planet with us.

The fishhook, which was embedded in Phantom’s esophagus, was extracted surgically and sent to a lab for analysis.  We wanted to know what type of hook it was and potentially where it came from.  We JUST found out that the hook was from a recreational (’rec’) fishing line and that it appeared to have been stuck in the throat for quite some time.  The GSTC respects that fishing is a way of life and hopes people in such industries respect our worlds’ turtles.

While recovering in our hospital, Phantom was treated with 1. Metacam, a pain medicine.  2. Ceftazidime & Metronidizole, antibiotics.  3. Iron pills, to help treat anemia.  4. Cisapride, for gut motility.  5. Fluid therapy, for hydration.  Recently, Phantom has been able to (slowly) capture and consume live blue crab!

Now, may I present to you,

‘The Phantom of the GSTC!’

(APPLAUSE)
Eh-em.  Background music, please….

“Beneath the water’s surface, you’ll see it there.
It’s missing half it’s face!!  Please, be aware.
When we offered whole food, Phantom tried to bite.
The Phantom of the GSTC is fighting for life.”

Ba-da-bada-da-dah….

“Those who have seen it’s face exclaim, ‘Oh, Dear!
Will Phantom, the sea turtle, ever leave here?’
I learned it swallowed a large fishhook from a ‘rec’ line.
The Phantom of the GSTC has had a tough time!”

Ba-da-bada-da-dah….

Thank you for joining me!

~Amanda Noble, GSTC Education Member~

If you are unfamiliar with The Phantom of The Opera theme song, please visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej1zMxbhOO0

We have read and listened to your comments & suggestions.  We have discussed our options.  Finally the GSTC is proud to announce, due to popular demand, that we now offer an admission discount to:

Active Duty Military Personnel

Students AND Teachers!

That’s right, you’ll all get $1 off admission price to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center when you present your respective ID.  So you’ll pay $5 instead of $6 when you visit our Center! Who can pass up a deal like that?!

Stroll through our amazing Exhibit Gallery and live the life of a sea turtle; watch our Veterinarian and/or his staff treat our patients through a viewing window looking into our treatment room;  listen to one of our daily programs, visit our patients in the hospital and learn all about why they are here!  Teachers can learn about the different programs the GSTC offers school groups, whether you bring your class here or we come to you! And did you know that all of our programs correspond to the Georgia Performance Standards?

There so much to see at the GSTC! Don’t delay, visit today!

Hope to see us soon!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

(All proceeds from admissions, special programs, gift shop/online store, Adopt-a-Sea Turtle, Memberships, and Brick sales are used to support the Georgia Sea Turtle Center)

The GSTC Education Staff is always looking for new ways to engage our young sea turtle enthusiasts. Not long ago I came across the most incredible resource…a life-size, inflatable leatherback! Yes, a 9ft inflatable replica of the largest and deepest diving reptile on the planet! And thanks to an extremely generous grant from the M.K. Pentecost Ecology Fund, we were able to purchase one!  We have named our new, giant friend Cori, since Dermochelys coriacea is the scientific name of the leatherback sea turtle.  This grant also allowed us to purchase 3 Green, 3 Hawksbill and 3 Leatherback sea turtle skull replicas to strengthen our educational programs!

Our new teaching tools arrived just in time for the new school year. Schools are an excellent community resource for informing young citizens about their fragile environment and cultivating a sense of stewardship. Unfortunately, many schools lack adequate resources or curricula to support environmental education. It is for this reason that the GSTC created the Sea Turtle Education Project (STEP), a STEP in the right direction for sea turtle conservation.

STEP is designed as a three-part educational outreach effort based on Amazing Adaptations,™ Georgia’s Sea Turtles™, and Garbage in the Water™, a field-tested, standards-based environmental education curriculum exploring sea turtles and pollution prevention. Two school-based visitations and a field trip to the GSTC will be supplemented throughout the year by suggested readings and investigations, culminating in a class-designed research or community awareness project.

The primary audiences of the STEP program are third-graders and their teachers in public and private schools in Glynn County. Approximately 1000 students and 25 educators from 20 different schools will participate in the STEP program this academic year FOR FREE, thanks to a grant received by the Environmental Protection Agency!

It is with deepest gratitude that I thank both the M.K. Pentecost Ecology Fund and the Environmental Protection Agency for their sea-port! And the turtles thank you too!

~Alicia B. Marin, GSTC Education Coordinator

On Monday, August 17th, the GSTC Education Department held our first ever Teacher Appreciation Event. This was a fun and informal way for teachers and educators to preview some of the educational programs, field trip opportunities, and ways that classes can help the sea turtle patients at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Teachers had the opportunity to:

-tour our Exhibit Gallery and Rehabilitation Pavilion after-hours
-watch four of our interactive and informative educational programs
-munch on pizza and snacks
-learn about outreach programs, and other educational opportunities that students can perform from their own classroom

Thank you so much to all the teachers who attended!

We would like to host another Teacher Appreciation Event in September so keep posted for more details.  If you are interested in this opportunity, please email Alicia Marin, GSTC Education Coordinator, at amarin@jekyllisland.com.

~Stephanie Chong, Education Intern

We are very excited to announce our upcoming Teacher Appreciation Night at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center! This is a great opportunity for teachers to preview some of our educational programs and facilities in an exclusive after-hours event.

Start your evening with a few refreshments followed by an overview of different field trip options for your class. Next, you’ll have the opportunity to see three different school program options that correlate to the Georgia Performance Standards. Stick around as we close with a drawing for some great door prizes you can use in your classroom!

Interested? Get your whole school involved! Print this flyer & post it in your school/media center.

Details:

When: Monday, August 17th

Time: 4:30-7:30pm (Refreshments & check-in begin at 4:30, sneak peek from 5-7:30)

Cost: $5 (includes pizza & teacher materials)

Register: at www.jekyllisland.com/teacherappreciation.

For more information, see www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org or call 912-635-4076.

We hope to hear from you soon!

~Stephanie Chong

Education Intern