From the Sea Turtle Care Center™ web page: "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)."

Bloodstone is a juvenile turtle and he arrived at the aquarium on August 9, 2021 after being stranded on Calibogue Sound near Hilton Head Island, SC. Somewhere in the area between Daufuskie Island and Hilton Head Island, he was hit by a boat. While that is unfortunate, he was lucky to have been found while his injuries were fresh and he had experienced little blood loss.

The South Carolina Aquarium creates an inclusive and shared experience for visitors because the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™ allows aquarium visitors "to experience the journey home" of each turtle. Guests can read about each turtle's injury or illness, observe recovering turtles, and interact with aquarium staff. Visitors gain in depth knowledge through this experience on how our individual and collective actions can impact the ecology of an environment or species. You can help by becoming a Sea Turtle Guardian. Learn more about how to become a guardian below.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) brings injured and ill turtles to the aquarium after they are found stranded on beaches. As noted on their website, "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." The turtles are treated in state-of-the-art facilities and given medication, vitamins, IV fluids, antibiotics, etc. In some cases when a wound is severe, a turtle might undergo surgery to aid an injury or remove plastics that have accumulated in their abdominals.

Here, staff take care of the turtles and post stats regarding the type and number of turtles currently being cared for at the facility. Also provided is information on how we can help through donations. If you would like to contribute, you can visit scaquarium.org/amazon-wish-list, or scaquarium.org/sea-turtle-care-center.

There were nineteen turtle patients at the Sea Turtle Recovery Center™ during the visit. One turtle in recovery that stole the show was Bloodstone. He was an energetic swimmer and very lively during the visit. He had a sense of engagement, and was inspiring - making him a natural subject for this photo essay. You can read more about the details of Bloodstones injuries and recovering by clicking on the link below. It will take you directly to his patient page.

"I went on a felid tip with my class in the beginning of March 2022, we went to Barrier Island. In one of the classes we took we learned about turtles and what their tracks look like. The instructor hid some ping pong balls on the beach with turtle tracks leading up to them so we could dig and find all the "eggs". We also learned about the endangerment of sea turtles and other turtles in general. We saw photos of turtles that had been affected by OUR pollution, and one of the photos was of a turtle that had gotten a straw up its nose, and they took him in and removed it. Our actions and small day to day choices might impact another species negatively. It's important that we continue to educate ourselves and make sustainable choices." Above photo, self-portrait by Darcy.

Rescue, rehabilitation and release are the three main goals of the staff, doctors, and volunteers. Through the generous donations of patrons and sponsors, the Sea Turtle Care Center™ is able to have a lasting impact by offering quality care to endangered animals with a team comprised of leading experts in the field.

The complete history of each turtle patient is meticulously maintained, visitors to the South Carolina Aquarium and read about each turtles recovery journey on available touch screen kiosks. That information can also be obtained through their website on the Sea Turtle Care Center™ page. Scroll to the bottom and there is a slide show that features current patients with a link to their history.