Yesterday we had the truly unique experience of seeing the results of action taken long ago, not thought much about, and not fully understood.
We went on a “field trip” to the SC Aquarium in Charleston yesterday. The kids and I have been there a couple times on various school trips, although it has been about 2 years since the last trip. This one was a little different in that we had Pat Pierce, Hali and Ian’s teacher, as our own personal tour guide. Pat volunteers at the Aquarium now and then as a teacher’s teacher. She teaches other SC educators about the Aquarium and more I’m sure, which is a perfect role for her! Anyway, as a result of that, she knew of the turtle hospital there and wanted to share it with us. This hospital rehabilitates turtles brought to them from all over, some as far as Maine! Their goal is to rehabilitate the turtles so that they are able to return to their natural habitat.
This is where the story gets personal. Last summer Richard came home to tell us the story of how they rescued a turtle off the beach that day. Pearson, our shuttle captain, on a regular shuttle run noticed something unusual in the water. As he came up on it, he saw it was a sea turtle with a crab trap rope and I think part of the trap wrapped around its neck. He said that the turtle really struggled to make it to the surface to breathe, and every attempt seemed weaker and weaker. He went into to shore to get some help, and they went back out to the turtle. They were able to pull the turtle in the boat, and bring it to shore. No small feat as this turtle weighed about 80 pounds and was very weak. They brought it to the beach and awaited DNR to come pick it up. We had heard that the turtle was transported to Georgetown and was to be tranferred to Charleston, and that was the last we heard.
When Richard heard we were going to the Aquarium, and that the turtle hospital was there, he was really curious to see if anyone remembered our turtle, whom the beach guys had named “Pearson”.
It only took a little time talking to Jackie, one of the hospital employees, to determine that “Pearson” was still there! When Richard was describing the circumstances of the rescue, she asked “Did he have a rope around his neck?”, and then yes, we found him.
They keep all the turtles in individual tanks so they do not harm or infect each other. She brought us over to “SCUTE”, and introduced us. We found out he was a loggerhead turtle, which is the state animal. “SCUTE” is an aconymn the used to name him (they already had a “Myrtle”, and a “North Myrtle”) which stands for South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts. Even she thought it was a reach! Any way, he was beautiful, now weighed about 100 pounds and is scheduled for release soon. She said he really loves people, is very active and very happy – if you can gauge a turtle’s happiness!
It was really awesome to see that not only did he make it, but that he has the chance to make it back to where he belongs to hopefully live out the rest of his natural life. If you ever see an animal in need, please help. You can make a difference! And if you are lucky enough, like us, you may one day see the results!
