Featured Image Credit: ABC News 4
By Emily Persico
The South Carolina Aquarium rescued injured sea turtles in May July, and again in August. Finally, last Friday, the three muska-turtles were deemed healthy enough to swim free. Ray, Serp, and Oyster would like to make your acquaintance one last time before they disappear into the ocean for, hopefully, forever.
Enter Ray, who is a loggerhead. This species of sea turtle is EPA “Threatened,” and their population is in continual decline. Ray was admitted into South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital on May 26th. The turtle weighed 100 pounds and was badly injured by a stingray in a shrimp trawl net. Ray underwent surgery to remove a barb that was lodged into its neck. while recovering, it was discovered that the loggerhead had cataracts. For the second time that summer, Ray had to be put on the operating table.
Meet Serp, the little Kemp’s ridley that was found on July 25th. This species is the world’s smallest and most endangered sea turtle. Serp is just a juvenile and already had two hooks embedded in its esophagus. Immediately, Serp was taken into endoscopic surgery.The sea turtle had to fast through its esophageal recovery, and then had to spend the rest of the summer and early fall trying to regain the lost weight.
Hook, line, and turtle? On August 20th Oyster was caught and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources received a phone call. Like Serp, Oyster is a Kemp’s ridley. Weighing 3.5 pounds, this juvenile turtle weighs one whole pound more than Serp. Oyster’s rambunctious spirit made for a super speedy recovery.
Serp, Ray, and Oyster are officially all recovered! By October 14th, all three of these sea turtles were both a healthy weight AND ready for release. They slid into the ocean with grace, while waving their final goodbyes as they made their way back home.
If you see an injured sea turtle, contact your local authorities. All seven species are federally/internationally listed and they need your help.
Read more about Ray, Serp, and Oyster.