A short blog this morning, we have a long day ahead of us with a very heavy treatment day. I'll be leaving in a few minutes so I'll keep this blog short.
Each day starts by setting up for sea turtle treatments. I'm a stickler about having my treatment tables completely set up and organized before the first turtle is pulled. Below you can see the tables set up and ready for treatments to begin.
In the photo below you can see an endangered Kemp's ridley on a towel ready for treatments. We give treatments in the same way with each turtle, the first stop is at the scale, then we take a heart rate, then physical followed by antibiotic injections and a tube feeding. Not all turtles receive a tube feeding, I'll explain that in another blog.
As part of the physical exam, feces is collected--whenever the turtles produce some that is. Below is a photo of Dr. Shane Boylan (from the South Carolina Aquarium, check out their sea turtle hospital blog here) looking at a fecal sample under the microscope. The sample was from the tiny hawksbill I've reported on (here and here). This sample contained some interesting findings, I'll report on those later.
We did have a new turtle come in, however this animal was not oiled. In the photo below, Dr. Boylan and Aquarium of the Americas (AOA) stranding program coordinator Michele Kelley collect biological samples from the new turtle. The photo on the right shows the animal after introduced to his new pool.
I made some time last night to clean and organize the clinic. We've been so busy treating turtles and processing biological samples, we have not spent much time organizing and cleaning the lab area. I tore through it yesterday and scrubbed it from top to bottom and organized all our medical supplies. Today is a large treatment day so we'll be processing samples in this room all day. The photo on the left shows the lab a few days ago, the photo on the right shows the lab after my organizational rampage!
I'd like to express my thanks to all of you who have posted little notes of encouragement on our blog, facebook, twitter and my personal email. This is difficult work and very taxing physically and mentally. In addition, the heat is draining and problematic. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated.
- Connie
I think what you're doing is amazing and although the turtles can't express it, I know that they appreciate what you are doing for them. Stay strong and keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteBTW, your organizational skills are awesome as well.
Verena Lisinski
As a former NEAQ rescue and rehab volunteer, I am amazed by the work you do under normal circumstances. The circumstances this spill has created are almost unfathomable to me -- and make your focus, passion, professionalism, and care all the more remarkable.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work, and the updates, when you can. I think about you and all the people who are helping care for the affected wildlife every day. It gives little glimmers of hope, to read about your efforts.
So glad to read this story and see the pictures of the lab and the turtles. Thank you so much for your hard work.
ReplyDeleteIt's cool to see so many veterinarians and rescue experts from all over the country working together! It's like the all star team for animals!
ReplyDeleteSea turtle rescue team: I sent some surprise Dancing Deer supplies for you all, and it does have Dr. Innes name on it. I did not realize he was leaving, so open the box as they are for the team (or anyone you would like to share them with) and I hope you enjoy them all. I wanted to do something for you. You should get them tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteRescue Rehab. all over the country, and world are so amazingly great w/ each other. Connie, great job.
ReplyDeleteT.R.
You guys and gals are awesome! Keep up the great work. In my eyes you're the real heros in this world.
ReplyDeleteHi all thanks for the great support. Candance, I am still here and will keep an eye out for your package when I report to the facility in the morning. Many thanks for your thoughtfulness, it is greatly appreciated!
ReplyDelete- Connie
Just reading the blogs and email comments brings tears to my eyes. I can't watch the news anymore because of the oil spill and feel horrible that I stick my head in a hole so as not to see all the suffering by the animals. I am so glad there are people like you out there taking care of them. THANK YOU....THANK YOU.....THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteCandace, I just received notification that your box went to the aquarium building. An AOA staff member is bringing it here shortly. Thanks again for your kindness, all the workers here at the turtle center are excited to break into the goodies. These are long hot days as you have seen from my blog, your treats are so greatly appreciated. Please accept my thanks on behalf of myself and the AOA staff working on the sea turtle efforts.
ReplyDelete-Connie