Charleston, SC - After a long flight from Maine, one loggerhead and two kemps ridley turtles arrived in Mt. Pleasant suffering from cold stunning 

 

“It is a relatively common phenomenon in New England where the animals are supposed to be making a southerly migration. When the weather changes rapidly, these guys being cold blooded get caught and get stunned,” said Shane Boylan, veterinarian with the South Carolina Aquarium.

 

With a limited number of facilities and personnel to help injured and sick turtles along the East Coast, the South Carolina aquarium had some extra room.

 

“There are so few places where they have full time medical care and a full time sea turtle veterinarian,” said Boylan.

 

To get the turtles to South Carolina, Ron Santos piloted his plane from Maine, volunteering his fuel and time, including a two day weather delay to get the turtles the help they need.

 

“It just makes you feel good. If everybody just did a little bit there would be a lot done,” Santos said.

 

The Loggerhead will remain at the South Carolina Aquarium until it is healthy and the weather is warm enough for it to be released and the two Kemps Ridley turtles will be sent to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for their treatment.

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