Cove is a young green sea turtle who was found stranded in Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island. Cove was found floating on the water’s surface. Once South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) was called, volunteers transported this little green to the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital. Upon arrival, Cove was alert and responsive, but he did have a lowered heart rate and was missing a left, rear flipper.
Staff quickly admitted Cove, gave him an exam, pulled blood and took radiographs, which revealed dehydration and a significant amount of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Fluids and vitamins were administered to treat dehydration and a course of antibiotics was started. Upon further inspection, an eye exam revealed corneal abrasions which were treated with antibiotic drops. The missing left, rear flipper was already healed and was most likely caused by a predator attack. Since Cove couldn’t dive to rest on the bottom of the tank due to his trapped gas, he was placed in a tank with very shallow water.
After about a month of care, Cove was doing very well! He was eating all of his food and gaining weight, and was a very energetic young turtle. Another month later after a final exam, Cove was deemed healthy and was released at the Isle of Palms County Park.