Shore Buddies Wisdom Wednesday
Photo by Amy Mercer
Shore Buddies supports rescued wildlife during the COVID-19 shutdown. Many animal care facilities are struggling with providing continuous care for their patients. Shore Buddies decided to partner with 4x organizations and DONATE 100% of PROFITS for the treatment of those animals in these troubling times. One of those organizations is the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center. Every purchase of Shelly the Sea Turtle goes to helping these sea turtles!
“All seven species of sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered. This is a reflection of the growing issues surrounding coastal development and ocean conservation. To help ensure that sea turtles have a future in our oceans, the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™ aids sick and injured sea turtles in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
When a sea turtle is found stranded or injured, SCDNR brings the animal to the Sea Turtle Care Center for treatment. Sea turtles arrive most commonly suffering from debilitated turtle syndrome, shock from being exposed to cold temperatures, or injury from a boat strike or shark bite. Our staff veterinarians diagnose each turtle and work with Care Center staff and volunteers to provide treatments and rehabilitative care. Patients are given IV fluids, antibiotics, vitamins and other medications. Based on the sea turtle’s condition, a variety of procedures may be performed, such as x-rays or ultrasounds. Rehabilitated sea turtles are released home in hopes that they will become reproductive members of the sea turtle population.
For 17 years, a committed team of staff and volunteers have been operating behind-the-scenes in our Sea Turtle Hospital, a space which only supports a limited number of sea turtle patients. Due to the dedication of staff, volunteers and supportive donors, we were able to expand the Sea Turtle Hospital and shed light on the awe-inspiring process of rescue, rehabilitation and release.While the majority of the hospital’s functions have moved to first-floor Recovery, the original hospital will continue to function as an intensive care unit for critical patients. Both a hospital and a guest experience, Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™ allows every guest who visits the Aquarium to experience the journey home.”
Visit their website (link below) to see their current patients and learn about what species of turtle they are, where they’re from, why they’re there, and any updates on their health!