Abstract

A 297 kg, thin to emaciated, adult male, leatherback turtle stranded in Truro, Massachusetts, September 2012. Examination showed moderate responsiveness, bradycardia, mild hypoxia, and moderate hypoglycemia. Traumatic amputation of the distal right forelimb and healing lacerations of the neck and hind flippers indicated recent trauma. The turtle was considered to have > 50% risk of mortality based on flipper injuries and behavioral abnormalities.³ After transportation to the Animal Care Center of the New England Aquarium, the turtle was hospitalized in a 21,650 L ovoid tank. Intermittent restraint was needed to prevent collision with tank sides. Cardio-respiratory stimulants, subcutaneous fluids, dextrose, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials, nutritional supplements and diuretics were administered as indicated by differential diagnoses, clinical signs and serial blood analysis. Radiographs were not obtained due to logistical considerations. Examination with a metal detector was negative for metallic foreign bodies.

Despite a guarded prognosis, rapid release was elected over euthanasia after noting signs of increasing strength and discussions with federal authorities. After 50 hours of hospitalization, off-shore release was conducted southeast of Harwich, MA after attachment of an ARGOS-linked satellite time depth recorder (MK10-A, Wildlife Computers Inc., Redmond, WA, USA).

Satellite data indicated extensive movement within the Gulf Stream and associated eddy field, with diving patterns comparable to healthy leatherbacks tracked in the same region.^1,2 Based on the reconstructed track, the turtle traveled over 5,600 km during the 97 day monitoring period. This is the first report of successful rehabilitation of a leatherback turtle combined with post-release monitoring.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the staff and volunteers of the Animal Health, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Fishes, Facilities, and Mechanical Systems Operations departments of the New England Aquarium for the many hours spent assisting with the medical care, supervision, handling and transportation of the turtle. We thank the staff and volunteers of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Massachusetts Audubon Society for their assistance with collection at the stranding site and transportation to the release vessel, including use of IFAW vehicles and stranding trailer. Thanks to Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation for the use of their satellite tag, and to Kim Durham for driving the tag from Long Island, NY to Cape Cod, MA. The release would not have been possible without the donated boat-lift services of Harwichport Boat Works, and without Mark Leach and Sean Leach, captains of the F/V Sea Holly, the release vessel that was made available on short notice.

* Presenting author

Literature Cited

1.  Dodge KL, Galuardi B, Miller TJ, Lutcavage ME. In prep. Leatherback turtle movements, dive behavior, and habitat characteristics in distinct ecoregions of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean.

2.  Fossette S, Girard C, López-Mendilaharsu M, Miller P, Domingo A, Evans D, Kelle L, Plot V, Prosdocimi L, Verhage S, Gaspar P, Georges JY. 2010. Atlantic leatherback migratory paths and temporary residence areas. PLoS ONE 5(11): e13908. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0013908

3.  Upite C. 2011. Evaluating Sea Turtle Injuries in Northeast Fishing Gear. US Dept Commer, Northeast Fish Sci Cent Ref Doc. 11-10; 26 p. Available from: National Marine Fisheries Service, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543-1026, or online at http://nefsc.noaa.gov/publications/