We love the smell of turtle breath in the morning

We love the smell of turtle breath in the morning

This time last year cold-stunned Greens, Loggerheads and Kemp’s of all sizes occupied every nook and cranny of our hospital. It was one nasty winter, and the bitter cold temps exacted a horrific toll on man and beast alike. While we may have figuratively frozen we had a building full of sea turtles that were quite literally found in that state, and sent to us for thawing out. This year it’s different, at least for now.

The two large Loggerheads that came in near death last month are now off their meds, eating everything we toss into their tanks and obviously hoping for more. How they survived body temps in the low 40-degree range remains a mystery, as temperatures below 60 degrees can be problematic for these cold-blooded critters. We have the experience and the determination to do what it takes to give every turtle that comes through our doors the best chance they’ll ever get to return home.

The bulk of our patients are now either fully recovered or well over the hump. It’s not easy taking care of the sick and injured, but healthy turtles are just as much work. They still need their meals, clean tanks and an occasional sunbath. They might splash you with their flippers when you walk buy. We‘ve had turtles that were masters at dismantling their in-tank plumbing. Some turtles will spend their day “migrating,” swimming endlessly in one direction towards who knows what, sounding like a washing machine or metronome with their constant rhythm. Of course there’s always the “tank potatoes” that park themselves in a nice sunny spot for a long nap. Enjoy your downtime now guys, because when we get into the new building you’ll be scheduled for a workout session in the therapy pool!

Our resident Kemp’s and Hospital Ambassador, “Lennie” who typically goes into a mid-winter funk is more animated this year because he’s working closely with us on a very special program. Watch this column for breaking news about “Lennie’s Fan Club.”

Although Mother Nature has taken pity on us so far this winter that doesn’t mean we’re totally out of the seaweed. You know what they say about people who don’t learn from history. Please continue to keep a lookout for any turtles you see stranded on the beach, in the grasses along the shore and in the water. If it’s not moving don’t assume it is dead. It might be cold stunned, and when rescued in time the prognosis for these critters is excellent.

If you come across a stunned turtle carefully pick it up and place it in a protected but not overly warm area (a garage, car or laundry room would work well.) Do not place the turtle in warm water; a sudden change in temperature will send it into shock and possibly kill it. Immediately call the Wildlife Resources Commission’s sea turtle emergency hotline number at: 252-241-7367. Someone is available 24/7 to pick up calls. Locally you can call Terry (see number below) or Jean at: 910-470-2800.

Please report any and all local sea turtle activity (hatchings, strandings, injured or sick turtles) immediately to our Director of Beach Operations, Terry Meyer at 910-470-2880. Terry can be reached at topsailseaturtle@aol.com for non-emergencies. All sea turtles are federally protected and harassing or harming them in any way will result in hefty fines and/or imprisonment.

Shop every Tuesday

Don’t forget that our gift shop is open every Tuesday until further notice. Just knock on our hospital door between 9 and 11 a.m. any Tuesday and tell us you’re there to shop. Preview some of the items we have available online at our website before you come and remember, we can only accept cash and checks at this time. You can also shop for our logo T’s year-round at Quarter Moon Bookstore in Topsail Beach. Thanks, Lori.

Of course you can use our online ordering service at your convenience because our website never closes: www.seaturtlehospital.org. Stay connected with our patients and the progress of the new hospital. We’re stocked with clothing and other gifts and goodies perfect for turtle lovers. Follow the links to “Adopt-A-Sea-Turtle,” we have some pretty high maintenance patients who need all the financial and moral support you can provide. There’s still time to add your family’s name to our wall of fame with the “Family Giving Challenge.” 

Questions, comments, suggestions?

Please direct any questions, comments or suggestions regarding this column to me at flippers@att.net. To be added to the newsletter list e-mail me at the same address. If your e-mail address has recently changed, please send me your new one so I can update my master list. You can also access the newsletter from our website.

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