Sadly, the first news from the rehab this week is the loss of Tatum, who passed away on Saturday morning. Tatum, CC-SAF-130424-01, was rescued from a canal on Ocracoke, but showed little improvement during the month stay in rehab. We sincerely thank everyone that was involved in the rescue and care of this turtle.
Tatum's first documented sighting on Ocracoke Island. Photo by Elizabeth Browning Fox.
We now have two new patients in the rehab. “Cluse” or CC-JMA-130404-01, comes to us from Cape Lookout National Seashore. Originally receiving excellent care at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, Cluse was transferred to the N.E.S.T./NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island rehab last Friday. It is nice to return the favor after calling on the PKS staff during this winter’s massive cold stun event.
Cluse in the rehab. Photo by NC Aquariums.
Cluse is being treated for pneumonia and lack of appetite. Current therapies include antibiotics, fluids, and force feeding.
“Vortex” or CC-AGH-130522-01, stranded in Beaufort with injuries consistent with propeller wounds. With a wound to the head, two to the carapace, and one each to the neck and left front flipper, Vortex is being held in very low water and observed often. Pain medication, topical care for the wounds, antibiotics, and supportive care are most important in these early days of recovery.
Vortex after wound treatment. The arrows show the cuts on the head, body, and flipper. Photo by NC Aquariums.
Vortex is pictured here in a rehab tank. The white cream in the photo is silver sulfadiazine cream (or SSD), an antibiotic cream often used in reptiles.
Charlie (CC-PKD-121123-01) and Hernando (CC-KLC-120924-01) are still with us and doing well! In a few weeks Hernando will get a chance to try chasing and eating some small live crabs. And Charlie will get to experience a very deep tank in our quarantine building very soon. For now, she is still wearing her weights and eating and swimming quite well.
Charlie submerged with 2 lbs of weight. Photo by NC Aquariums.
Charlie submerged and resting in about 23 inches of water.