Rescuers from the MERR Institute, a state-designated stranding and response team, were the first to respond to calls regarding an injured turtle.
They discovered the Loggerhead sea turtle with a broken shell, a bruised skull, and damage to an eye – injuries inflicted by a boat’s propeller.
The turtle was severely dehydrated, and as a result of the broken shell, gas had built up in its body cavity, preventing it from swimming and diving normally.
The MERR Institute’s rescue team contacted MARP, who made arrangements for the animal to be transported to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for long-term rehabilitation.
Examination
David Schofield, the Aquarium’s manager of ocean health and manager of MARP, was among the first to examine the turtle.
“Based on its injuries, this turtle would not be alive if it weren’t for quick rescue response,” Schofield reported.
He knew that its recovery would be dependant on round-the-clock treatment from dozens of MARP volunteers.
It was a challenge that MARP was well prepared to take on. In the summer of 2002, the Aquarium’s MARP team rescued more sea turtles in a single season than ever before.
Previously, MARP rescued and rehabilitated 26 sea turtles over a ten year span, an average of less than three each year. In the summer of 2002, MARP cared for nine turtles, an all-time record that they hope will never be broken. Continue...
