GREAT NEWS FROM THE SC SEA TURTLE CARE CENTER MAY 25TH

WHEN THEY SAY IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO SAVE A SEA TURTLE, IT REALLY DOES

ALL THE RIGHT CALLS AND TRANSPORTS IN PLACE, THE FISHERMEN KNOWING 

NOT TO PUT THIS SEA TURTLE BACK INTO THE OCEAN. (By the way his/her name is Sunstone)

On July29th of 2021 a late-night call came in from some fishermen in Myrtle Beach about a Sea Turtle that they had hooked in the flipper. At this point they could tell that the left front flipper was severely injured and most of it gone. The fisherman then called DNR, who reached out to Linda (permit holder)  

AS it was late in the night and the Sea Turtle Care Center closed, many conversations and calls between Linda NMP STP (permit holder) MB STP and DNR  are placed, as this Sea turtle, not adult yet but still large as he/she is 88 LBS.

Its decided that Sunstone will spend the night in the care of Ann (permit Holder) at the Myrtle beach state park( as this is closest and would be easiest for Sunstone with the least amount of stress.)

Linda Mataya making arrangements late into the night and into the morning hours for the plan of care and transport from the NMB STP to get Sunstone to the SC Sea Turtle Care Center asap. Early morning and the North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol is on the way with Sunstone. ( I am pretty sure 0 sleep for Linda) 

Sunstone was very active when he/she arrived upon opening of the SC Sea Turtle Care Center in Charleston.  But the front left flipper wound was pretty severe.  Ex-rays are taken, bloodwork is done, during the examination, it determined likely a shark bite. Antibiotics to help prevent infection, fluids, Vitamins and extensive regiment of Cold therapy for Sunstone.

Sunstone has spent the last10 months under the excellent care of the Sea Turtle Care Center in Charleston SC. Sunstones Flipper has healed.  He/she was evaluated for release. checking off all the right boxes for release. DNR then put a PIT scan tag on Sunstone (the Pit scan tag is about the size of a grain of rice). they also apply a flipper tag on the flipper.( this will help if Sunstone is ever becomes stranded again.

Today at Folly Beach in SC, 6 rehabilitated stranding Sea Turtles were released. 3 Loggerhead and 3 Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles. Each one of them having been rescued( Each having an incredible rescue story) and then transported to the care and rehabilitated by the SC Sea Turtle Care Center at the SC Aquarium. 

AND YES SUNSTONE WAS ONE OF THEM !!!!!!!

If you would like to see this incredible release go to the 

SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM Facebook page

GOOD LUCK to the 3 Loggerhead Sea Turtles and the 3 Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles Released.