We’re nearing the end of our record keeping year of July, 1 2012 – June 30, 2013 and what a year it has been! Check out the rehab stats:
Since July 1, 2012, we have had 72 sea turtles admitted for rehabilitation.
Full house! Photo by NC Aquarium
Photo by NC Aquarium
The breakdown:
18 federally threatened loggerheads
27 federally threatened greens
27 federally endangered Kemp’s ridleys
9 remain in rehab at NEST/NCARI (4 loggerheads, 4 greens, 1 Kemps) – we have a handful of long term cases and the rest will be released early in the summer.
13 remain in rehab at other facilities – thanks to our many rehabilitation partners!
16 are deceased – most of our losses were due to the grueling cold stun season.
34 have been released – we are indebted to the US Coast Guard as well as various charter fishermen.
Photo courtesy of US Coast Guard.
One of this winter’s cold stunned turtles recuperated at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. “Pamlico” was lucky enough to be fitted with a satellite transmitter. You can view the track here.
Lou's radiograph - Roanoke Island Animal Clinic
Stranding causes:
61 were considered cold stuns
1 gear interaction (pound net)
1 debris ingestion (fish hook)
9 were considered disease or unknown
Veterinary bills: more than $10,000!
Daily care costs: another $10,000.
None of this would be possible without the truly dedicated N.E.S.T. volunteers! Thousands of hours were contributed to the rehab over the past year – hours filled with patience, caring, heartbreak, and hope.
The best reward - volunteers working a beach release. Photo by Johnny Springfield.
To learn more about how you can volunteer or support our non-profit organization, please visit the N.E.S.T. homepage.