Sea Turtle Hospital News

Walking Willy

Surely you've heard about "the new girl in town" by now: she's been all over the local papers and on TV. But just in case you're not up on the latest turtle gossip, here's a brief recap of what's been going on with "Willy."

After she was literally blown across the Atlantic, this small Kemp's Ridley stranded at Woolacombe Bay in the UK on January 6, 2007. She was less than 3 kg., battered and beaten to the point where the staff at Sea Life Park couldn't even identify the species of sea turtle they found under their care. Long story short, after six months of treatment Willy was finally well enough to move into their shark nursery tank, where she grew and grew, longing for a way back to Kansas, er, the U.S.

And to make an even longer story short, after two years of paperwork, licenses, permits and negotiations with what seemed like endless government agencies, in two countries, Willy arrived at RDU with her entourage on May 22. She traveled courtesy of American Airlines and received "VIT" (very important turtle) treatment the entire way. Okay, so maybe her wooden crate (from a British Army tank) wasn't exactly luxurious, but it was well padded, and she was very well protected during the flight

Now Willy had been overseas for so long that even Ambassador Lennie, who's fluent in Kemp's had difficulty understanding her accent. So not only did Willy need to relearn her native language, she had to repatriate herself, become familiar with "her" side of the Atlantic and turn on her turtle GPS system so she could find her natal beach when it was time to nest. Willy needed to go for a walk on the beach before she could be released.

But a turtle with international star quality does not simply take a walk on the beach. Her fans in the UK demanded the latest news on their famous Kemp's, so her little stroll was televised live in the UK. Mike Dilger (the wildlife host of BBC-1's "The One Show") along with a crew of techies set up shop to document the moment when Willy's flippers hit the Topsail sand.

While the small crowd waited near the surf, Willy sat comfortably on the sidelines tended to by her people, our volunteers. Mike gave last minute instructions to the crowd, going over the blocking one final time and counting down the seconds till live broadcast. A small contingent from Dixon Elementary held signs and waved flags, both American and British, to honor Willy's dual citizenship. Jean stood firmly planted on her "X," and as soon as the cameras rolled and the satellites beamed Willy was carried to her spot and lowered to the sand.

Initially she seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the fuss, not moving off her mark, as Jean and Mike hunkered down over her explaining why this walk on the beach was so important to her release. But although she wasn't moving, you could see by her expression that she was taking in the smells and textures that were all so new to her. Once she seemed satisfied that she had the information she needed she took off for the water. Unfortunately that first step happened almost the second after the five-minute segment of live broadcast ended! Right before her flippers hit the incoming tide she was snatched up and driven back to the hospital for some rest, and a late meal. She had refused her breakfast earlier, knowing that the camera adds at least ten pounds.

So Willy passed her test. In another month Willy will get to walk again. But this time we'll let her keep going.

Topsail Turtle Project Update

Thanks to your overwhelming response to our training classes, our mama turtles will once again find the Topsail beaches a safe place to nest. Our beach walkers began their morning walks on May 1, and will continue patrolling all 26 miles of the island through the end of August. We also ask that our residents and visitors assist in our efforts by being extra vigilant for nesting or stranded turtles. If you see either, contact our Director of Beach Operations, Terry Meyer at 910-470-2880 immediately.

Questions, comments or suggestions for stories

Contact me at: flippers@embarqmail.com. This column will appear approximately every two weeks until June.

Karen Sota is the volunteer media coordinator for the Sea Turtle Hospital in Topsail Beach.