Rehabilitating Sea Turtles: The Cost Of Care

Sea turtles are fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, they face numerous threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, ingestion of plastic debris, boat strikes, and cold-water stunning. When these majestic creatures are injured or stranded, rehabilitation becomes necessary to nurse them back to health and release them into their natural habitat. The process of rehabilitating a sea turtle is complex and often costly, involving specialised facilities, veterinary care, and dedicated staff and volunteers. The cost of rehabilitating a sea turtle can vary depending on the severity of the injuries, the duration of care, and the location of the rehabilitation centre. This article will delve into the expenses associated with sea turtle rehabilitation and explore the efforts of organisations dedicated to conserving these magnificent creatures.

Veterinary care and rehabilitation facilities

The process of rehabilitation begins with rescuing stranded sea turtles, often found entangled in marine debris or suffering from injuries caused by boat strikes, ingestion of plastic, or fishing gear entanglement. Once rescued, sea turtles are transported to rehabilitation centres, where they undergo veterinary care and treatment. This typically involves a team of veterinarians and volunteers who assess the turtles' health, remove any hooks or debris, and provide necessary medications and treatments.

Rehabilitation facilities play a vital role in this process by offering dedicated spaces and resources for the recovery of sea turtles. For example, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center's Stranding Response team operates out of the Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center (DMACC), a facility equipped with a sea turtle hospital, animal quarantine centre, and separate buildings for necropsy and pharmacy. Similarly, the Florida Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, completed in 2019, boasts a 19,000-square-foot space with four rehabilitation pools, a deep-dive foraging pool, and advanced veterinary suites.

The treatment and care provided by these facilities are tailored to the specific needs of sea turtles. For instance, injured turtles often require extensive supportive therapy, including fluid therapy, antibiotic treatment, and medication for their wounds. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to address injuries caused by ghost gear entanglement or boat strikes. Additionally, rehabilitation centres simulate the natural environment of sea turtles by providing rehab pools with adjustable water salinity and temperature controls, ensuring a gradual and safe transition for the turtles.

The duration of rehabilitation can vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several years, depending on the nature and severity of the turtles' conditions. During their recovery, sea turtles are closely monitored, and their progress is evaluated based on various criteria, including bloodwork, radiographs, healed wounds, and normal eating and swimming behaviours. Once they meet the release criteria and are deemed healthy enough, the turtles are released back into their natural habitat, typically in warmer waters or near reefs where food is abundant.

The work of veterinary care and rehabilitation facilities is essential to the conservation and protection of sea turtles. By providing specialised care, advanced veterinary resources, and dedicated spaces for recovery, these facilities play a crucial role in ensuring the survival and eventual release of these endangered species back into the ocean.

Transporting injured turtles

Preparation:

Firstly, it is essential to have the necessary equipment on hand. This includes items such as:

• Opaque bins with locking lids and air holes
• Towels
• Duct tape
• Clean water
• Gloves
• Hand sanitiser or wet wipes
• Snacks and water for the transporter
• Cell phone charger

Packaging the Turtle:

When packaging an injured turtle for transport, it is crucial to follow these steps:

• Place a dry towel of an appropriate size at the bottom of the bin to prevent sliding and provide a dark, hidden environment for the turtle.
• Take photos of the injured turtle, including any visible wounds or abnormalities, to assist the rehabilitation centre in preparing for treatment.
• Gently lift the turtle and place it on the towel inside the bin, ensuring the turtle is secure and comfortable.
• Cover the turtle loosely with a second, damp towel to help cool down the turtle if necessary.
• Place the bin in a secure location, such as the trunk or floor of the vehicle, to prevent sliding and minimise stress for the turtle.

Transportation:

When transporting the injured turtle, it is important to keep the following in mind:

• Do not check on the turtle during the drive, as this can cause unnecessary stress and be dangerous while driving.
• Maintain a cool temperature inside the vehicle, as turtles are sensitive to temperature changes.
• Drive slowly and carefully, especially around turns, to avoid the bin or turtle sliding or experiencing impacts.
• Stay in contact with the rehabilitation facility to provide updates on the turtle's condition and estimated time of arrival.

Unloading and Handover:

Once you arrive at the rehabilitation facility, the process continues as follows:

• Unload the turtle carefully and ensure it is handed over to the veterinary staff or rehabilitation team.
• Provide any relevant information or details about the turtle's condition, location found, and any treatments administered.
• Follow the instructions and protocols of the rehabilitation facility for the handover process.

Best Practices:

To ensure the safe transportation of injured turtles, it is recommended to follow these best practices:

• Avoid lifting turtles whenever possible. Instead, float them or gently slide them onto a board for support.
• Use a flat surface to lift the turtle, as lifting by the carapace alone can cause internal injuries.
• Maintain the turtle's core body temperature by slowly cooling or warming it if necessary.
• Use appropriate containers and padding to secure and protect the turtle during transport.
• Monitor the turtle's vital signs and core temperature during the journey.

By following these guidelines and working with experienced organisations, we can ensure that injured sea turtles receive the care and treatment they need while minimising additional stress or harm during transportation.

Veterinary diagnostics and treatment

When a sea turtle is rescued, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of its health and condition. This includes running diagnostics to identify any underlying issues that may not be apparent from external observations. Blood tests, for example, can reveal anaemia, protein levels, and blood cell levels, while X-rays can detect ingested foreign objects, such as fishing hooks, or internal injuries, such as gastrointestinal blockages or broken bones. Ultrasound equipment and endoscopes are also used to diagnose internal issues, such as gastrointestinal blockages, lung tears, trapped air or fluid, and broken bones.

Once the diagnostics provide a clear picture of the turtle's health, appropriate treatment can begin. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove hooks or repair damaged tissue. For example, esophagostomies may be performed to remove deeply lodged fish hooks, or surgeries may be necessary to salvage or amputate badly injured flippers. Antibiotic treatments and medications are often administered to address wounds and infections, and fluid therapy is provided to support dehydrated turtles.

In cases where the turtle is unable to eat on its own, feeding tubes may be surgically placed in their oesophagus to ensure adequate nutrition. A balanced diet is crucial for their recovery, and they are fed a variety of fish, such as tuna, snapper, and jackfish, as well as crabs, jellyfish, and lobster.

For turtles suffering from buoyancy issues, targeted external weight therapy (TEWT) is applied to correct their swimming and diving abilities. This involves strategically placing small weights of various sizes on specific areas of the turtle's body. Additionally, providing them with adequate space, time, and a deep tank can aid in their recovery from buoyancy problems.

The cost of veterinary diagnostics and treatment for sea turtles can vary depending on the specific needs of each patient. On average, rehabilitating and releasing a single sea turtle can cost around $2000. This includes the cost of staffing, food, medicine, surgeries, and other treatments required during their rehabilitation journey.

Pre-release criteria

The pre-release criteria for rehabilitating a sea turtle vary depending on the rehabilitation centre. However, there are some common factors that must be considered before releasing a turtle back into the ocean.

Firstly, the turtle's overall health must be evaluated. This includes ensuring that the turtle is free of any infections or diseases and that any wounds have healed. The turtle's bloodwork should also be within normal ranges.

Secondly, the turtle's behaviour is assessed. It should exhibit normal eating and swimming behaviours, indicating that it is healthy and comfortable in its environment.

Thirdly, the turtle's ability to forage for food is crucial. In the Florida Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, they have a deep-dive foraging pool to assess the turtle's ability to forage at depth before release. This is an important consideration as it ensures the turtle can find food and survive in the wild.

Another factor is the water temperature. For cold-stunned turtles, rehabilitation centres must slowly adjust the water temperature, increasing it by only a few degrees Fahrenheit per day. This gradual process is necessary to avoid any detrimental effects on the turtle's health.

Finally, the location of release is also considered. Rehabilitation centres often release turtles into the ocean when the local waters are warm during the summer months. In colder seasons, turtles may be transported to warmer waters in locations such as Georgia or Florida.

The pre-release criteria are carefully assessed to ensure the rehabilitated sea turtles have the best chance of survival and thriving in their natural habitat.

Conservation and education

Sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and despite federal protection, there is inadequate direct federal funding for their rehabilitation. The Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network, composed of over 50 organisations, is working to address this issue. The network collaborates to rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles, as well as educate the public about conservation.

The National Aquarium, New England Aquarium, and South Carolina Aquarium are leading a bipartisan legislative effort to secure critical funding for sea turtle conservation. The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act would create a permanent grant program to support organisations responding to and caring for threatened and endangered sea turtles.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center's Stranding Response Team provides an excellent example of the rehabilitation process. The team responds to stranded sea turtles, assesses their health, and transports them to the Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center (DMACC) for treatment. The DMACC is equipped with a sea turtle hospital, animal quarantine centre, and veterinary care. The rehabilitation process includes removing hooks, transitioning turtles to saltwater, and treating injuries and illnesses. The team also educates the public about sea turtle conservation and the importance of reducing waste and cleaning up beaches to protect sea turtles and their habitats.

The Gumbo Limbo Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Florida is another dedicated research, rescue, and rehabilitation centre. They treat up to 100 rescued sea turtles and 300 hatchlings annually, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild as soon as they are healthy enough.

The Olive Ridley Project operates four sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facilities in the Maldives, providing veterinary care and rehabilitation for injured sea turtles. They also offer training to boat crews and staff on rescuing, releasing, and identifying turtles in need of care. The project works to improve public education and awareness about sea turtle conservation.

Sea Turtle Recovery, a nonprofit organisation in New Jersey, focuses on rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles and educating the public about the ecological role of sea turtles, the threats they face, and ways to protect them. Each patient costs an average of $2000 to rehabilitate and release back into the ocean.

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