Celebrating South Carolina's Sea Turtles

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Celebrating South Carolina's Sea Turtles
May 23, 2010
by: Melissa Monti
ABC News 4

Charleston, SC - Swishing through the waters or bathing in the sun-- sea turtles of all shapes, sizes, and species are being celebrated at The South Carolina Aquarium. It's all part of World Sea Turtle Day set up to raise awareness about some of these endangered creatures.


Marine biologist Kelly Thorvalson says, “What we're trying to do is show some of the turtles that we have in South Carolina and maybe the pressures that affect their population.”

She says the diamond back terrapins are in the most trouble along the state’s coastline. “We've put a lot of roads through these marsh areas and females are getting hit by cars when they're going to nest”, says Thorvalson.

The males are also often caught in crab traps. Just recently, 12 got caged in a local creek. “You know, that's enough to wipe out the population in that creek”, says Thorvalson.

But, the aquarium also has a sea turtle hospital to help rehabilitate reptiles in need. The Department of Natural Resources brought a loggerhead to the aquarium Saturday night where he's been undergoing treatment ever since.

Thorvalson says, “We're giving a lot of fluids, this turtle is incredibly anemic. It's amazing that this turtle has survived.”

Turtles take about nine months to heal here before they're released into local waters. But, on this world holiday, marine biologists hope their education efforts give the creatures a swimming chance at a healthy life in their natural habitats.


The aquarium has rehabilitated and released 51 sea turtles to date since it opened 10 years ago.