The Georgia Sea Turtle Center Update
Thursday, November 5th, 2009Tunicate
The gender of a sea turtle cannot be ascertained visually until they are sexually mature, which in the case of the loggerhead takes 35 years. We received a turtle last spring that had a heavy load of sea squirts or tunicates on its shell. The turtle was appropriately named tunicate. Tunicate presented unable to dive and we subsequently found air in the body cavity secondary to a lung tear. The lung tear was likely from blunt force trauma and possibly a boat strike. After numerous aspirations with a needle and syringe the air was finally removed and the lung tear healed. Tunicate no longer floated and started to eat and defecate normally now that all the pressure from the air was gone. Subadult sea turtles can be sexed by testing their blood for testosterone levels. Tunicate had very high testosterone levels and is a male. Tunicate also has a propeller wound from a boat and a shark bite. Both wounds were almost healed when he arrived. Tunicate will be released with several other turtles during the annual Birding Festival on Jekyll Island in early October.
THE REWARDS OF VOLUNTEERING
Adapting an old African proverb, one could say “It takes a community to save a turtle.” The Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) treats all of it patients with one goal - safely release them back into the wild. As with any hospital, a lot goes on behind the scenes to make this happen on a daily (and nightly) basis by staff and many unsung heroes- our volunteers!GSTC volunteers contribute their time, energy, passion and experience in many different ways. Some greet guests and orient them to our facility and its offerings. Others guide guests through the exhibit gallery and turtle hospital, offering enriching information about turtles and our special patients. Some volunteers care for turtles by helping staff prepare food, manage tanks, and assist with rehabilitation procedures while others may take guests for educational walks on the beach or help with research. Quite often, you’ll see them helping with special events like turtle releases or island celebrations. In 2009, volunteers contributed over 11,000 of hours of time in rehabilitation, research and education, making visitors and turtles better off as a result.
“I have gotten far more from being a volunteer than the Center has ever asked of me. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I knew NOTHING about Sea Turtles when I began but thanks to the excellent staff, I feel confident answering questions from the public. I am proud to be a part of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center!!”
During this season of giving, we want to offer specials thanks to our wonderful volunteers. We know the turtles appreciate them, too!
become a volunteer!
Please contact Teddy Ivey: (912) 634-4076 • tivey@jekyllisland.com
www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/join-us
