Tunicate

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

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

Tags: Georgia Sea Turtle Center, jekyll island sea turtle center, sea turtles, tunicate, volunteer for the georgia sea turtle center
Posted in Beachscape, November 2009 | No Comments »

That’s right! We are planning to release 3 turtles: Pumpkin, Night Watch and Skidaway on Sunday, September 20, 2009 during the last day of Jekyll Island’s Annual Shrimp and Grits Festival!

As most of you probably know, Pumpkin (LEFT), a sub-adult Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle, was supposed to be released on May 13, 2009 during our Annual Nest Fest event. However, due to complications observed after the transmitter placement, we decided not to release Pumpkin, in his/her best interest.

Now that Pumpkin’s infections have cleared up and he/she has been taken off of antibiotics, has sunk to the bottom of her tank, and is eating normally, it’s time to let her go! You’ll be able to track Pumpkin after his/her release on www.seaturtle.org (please be patient, it usually takes a few days for the tracking page to come up) and you’ll also be able to adopt Pumpkin as an Option #2 turtle through the GSTC’s Adopt-a-Sea Turtle Program! (*Option #2 adoptions help to offset additional costs attributed to the satellite transmitters after release. We have to pay for ’satellite time’ and data management for as long as the turtle transmits a signal!)

Night Watch (RIGHT), a young sub-adult Loggerhead sea turtle, is also ready for release. She was found by the Georgia Bulldog (a sea turtle research vessel) and brought to the Center for care. He/she has responded very well to treatment and is ready for release!

Night Watch will not be getting a satellite transmitter due to her size and prominent dorsal ridge that is still evident on her carapace (shell). This ridge is normal for loggerhead sea turtles of this size class, and with time, will eventually smooth out. This ridge would require us to place the transmitter off-center and could yield in inaccurate data, not to mention potentially making the turtle feel ‘off balance’. Night Watch will still receive a final exam, flipper tags and a PIT tag.

And last, but not least, Skidaway. Skidaway is a small, juvenile Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtle. This is the rarest and most critically endangered species of sea turtle in the world! Skidaway has been with us since June 2009 from the Tybee Marine Science Center. Skidaway will also not be receiving a satellite transmitter due mostly to her size…the transmitter is too big and weighs too much for such a small turtle! She will receive a PIT tag.

Details:

When: Sunday, September 20, 2009

Time: 3:00 pm

Location: North side of the Convention Center on Jekyll Island, GA

This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, space is first come, first serve! So come on out and say good-bye and good luck with us to 3 wonderful patients!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

*Please note that all releases are subject to change at any time (date, time, location, etc.) in the best interest of the turtle(s).

Tags: Georgia Sea Turtle Center, jekyll island sea turtle center, night watch, pumpkin, sea turtle, sea turtle release, shrimp and grits festival, skidaway
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