A simple jump into action can save a life, something a Hilton Head family found out firsthand when they found a young sea turtle floating, near death, in a Lowcountry salt marsh. Luckily, this family immediately called the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources who brought the turtle to the renowned South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program.
When found, the sea turtle was cold and lethargic from being stranded in about 50 degree Fahrenheit water temperatures. The sea turtle’s body temperature was 46.5 degrees F, her heart was beating at a rate of four eats. Per minute, and she could not breathe on her own.
Staff slowly and carefully worked to warm up and stabilize the turtle while administering fluids and medications in an attempt to save her life.
Thank goodness they know what they’re doing. After six months of care, the sea turtle, affectionately named Amelia, was released off of Kiawah Island on Friday, June 6, 2014.
If you see a stranded or hurt sea turtle, you too can help to save a life by calling the SCDNR sea turtle hotline at (800) 922-5431. You can check on how the rescue program’s current patients are doing by visiting their blog at scaquarium.org.
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