Green (Chelonia mydas)
Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach State Park Fishing Pier, Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 4/14/24
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 4.82 kg (10.63 lbs)
Case History
Eleanor was accidentally caught by hook and line at the Myrtle Beach State Park Fishing Pier. The angler brought the turtle up with a dip net to support her/his weight and found the hook superficially embedded in the front left flipper. A Myrtle Beach State Park Ranger helped recover the turtle and reported the incidental capture to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Eleanor was transported from the pier and to the Aquarium by an SCDNR volunteer.
Treatment
Eleanor arrived at the Aquarium active and alert. We took radiographs to assess if the patient had any unaccounted-for internal hooks. Luckily, Eleanor was hook-free! The original hook in the left front flipper was removed and the resulting laceration was superficial. Physically, Eleanor was in decent shape. Thankfully, s/he was at a healthy weight and exhibited good energy and full breaths. Besides the hook wound, s/he had a couple of older healing rake marks (predator wounds) on the plastron (bottom shell) and some skin irritation around the cloaca and rear flippers. We drew blood for further diagnostic assessment and started Eleanor on antibiotics and fluids to begin the healing process.
Due to this turtle’s activity level and body weight condition, we decided to try the patient in a full tank of water. Eleanor did so well! This little green immediately swam to the bottom and began exploring. Eleanor quickly figured out how to navigate the tank and took steady, full breaths. Based on these strong energy levels, we felt that this little green would be comfortable in the tank overnight!
Updates
April 17, 2024: Over the last several days, Eleanor has continued to do well. We have started offering food and s/he is showing some interest. So far, s/he is not interested in veggies, but has started eating a few pieces of fish here and there! We are looking forward to Eleanor’s continued progress — stop by and see Eleanor during your next visit!