Local Marine Heroes: National Aquarium's Advances in Sea Turtle and Seal Rescue

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The 2023-24 sea turtle and seal rescue season at the National Aquarium brought advancements in the care of these marine animals, with improvements in sea turtle treatment and increased resources for seal rescue. During this time, the aquarium's teams provided comprehensive care to harp and grey seals, and Kemp's ridley, green, and loggerhead sea turtles. Their treatment included antibiotic and fluid therapies, wound care, physical therapy, and nutritional support to manage infections, dehydration, and injuries.

During the busiest rescue months from November to December, the aquarium often cares for sea turtles affected by cold stunning, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold water that leads to health issues and disorientation. These mostly juvenile turtles typically need three to six months of rehabilitation. The aquarium provides a controlled environment for these turtles to recover their health and strength before release.

Nutrition is vital in the recovery process. The National Aquarium ensures the turtles are fed diets tailored to their specific needs, considering their species, weight, and health. Their food includes capelin, herring, shrimp, and squid, supplemented occasionally with blue crab. Medications and antibiotics are included in the food to ensure stress-free consumption and minimal human contact, preserving natural behaviors.

Feeding at the aquarium is carefully managed to minimize human interaction and closely monitor each turtle's food intake. Turtles are kept in a large pool, separated by species with dividers. During feeding, staff and volunteers throw food into the pool, aiming for turtles marked with specific numbers on their shells. This helps track each turtle's diet and ensure proper feeding.

In recent years, more sea turtles have required care beyond the typical rescue season due to conditions like osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection, leading to longer rehabilitation periods. For example, Carmen, a juvenile green sea turtle, needed extended care into spring 2024 due to bone loss in a flipper, affecting her swimming. The aquarium adjusted its care, offering a 'salad bar' to promote natural foraging and physical therapy to improve mobility.