Solstice’s Fight For Survival: A Green Sea Turtle’s Rescue And Rehabilitation

Rescuing Solstice: How We’re Helping a Critically Ill Green Sea Turtle

Over the Christmas holidays, a rare and critically ill green sea turtle named Solstice arrived at Dingle Oceanworld. Found cold and weak on a beach in Clare by a woman named Emma on Christmas Eve, Solstice had been swept over 3,000 miles off course by Atlantic currents. Her story is not only a testament to the resilience of marine life but also an opportunity to highlight the importance of sea turtle conservation and our ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

Discovery and Rescue

Solstice was first discovered stranded and barely responsive, covered in seaweed on the shore. She was initially taken in by Hogsprickle Rescue, who provided immediate care to stabilise her until she could be safely transported to Oceanworld on St. Stephen’s Day.

Upon arrival, Solstice was in a dire state. She was diagnosed with hypothermia, a respiratory infection, and meningitis—all potentially life-threatening conditions. Additionally, her shell bore puncture marks, indicating that she may have survived an attack by a predator, likely a large marine mammal or a shark.

Understanding Cold-Stunning

One of the primary reasons for Solstice’s critical condition was “cold-stunning.” Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), like all sea turtles, are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by their environment. When ocean temperatures drop suddenly, sea turtles can become immobilised and unable to swim, a condition known as cold-stunning. Without immediate intervention, cold-stunned turtles face a high risk of death due to hypothermia, dehydration, and secondary infections.

In Solstice’s case, the cold-stunning not only left her unable to move but also contributed to the onset of her respiratory issues. Treating cold-stunned turtles requires careful warming, hydration, and often antibiotics to combat infection.

Sea Turtle Conservation and Rehabilitation at Dingle Oceanworld

We have been involved in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation for many years. Our programme at Oceanworld focuses on the rescue, treatment, and release of marine turtles that are found stranded or injured in Irish waters. While loggerhead turtles are the most common species to wash ashore in Ireland, green turtles are far rarer, making Solstice’s case particularly significant.

© Domnick Walsh Photographer

Key Steps in Our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Process:

Initial Stabilisation: Ensuring the turtle is warm and hydrated is the first priority. Cold-stunned turtles are gradually warmed to avoid shock, and fluids are administered to prevent dehydration.

Medical Treatment: Turtles with infections or injuries, like Solstice, are treated with antibiotics and pain relief under veterinary supervision.

Monitoring and Nutrition: Sea turtles are monitored round-the-clock, and their diet is carefully managed. Adult green sea turtles are herbivores, typically feeding on eel grass and algae. However, in rehabilitation settings, substitutes such as leafy greens and specialised supplements are often used.

Preparation for Release: Once the turtle is stable and healthy, the next goal is to release it back into its natural habitat, ideally in warmer waters where it can thrive.

About Green Sea Turtles

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are a large species of hard-shelled sea turtles and are named for the greenish colour of their fat, which results from their herbivorous diet as adults. They inhabit tropical and subtropical waters around the world and are primarily found in shallow coastal areas, feeding on seagrasses and algae.

Key Facts:

Diet: Green sea turtles are unique among sea turtles for being primarily herbivorous as adults. Juveniles, however, may consume a more varied diet, including small crustaceans, seaweed, and algae.

Habitat: They are typically found in warm, shallow waters with abundant seagrass beds. Key nesting sites include beaches in the Caribbean, Pacific islands, and the coasts of Africa.

Reproduction: Female green turtles return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. They can lay several clutches of eggs during a nesting season, with each clutch containing around 100 eggs.

Conservation Status: Green sea turtles are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Major threats include habitat loss, poaching, accidental bycatch in fishing gear, and pollution.

Solstice’s Current Condition and Outlook

While Solstice remains critically ill, she has shown signs of slight improvement. Our team continues to provide intensive care, including warmth, fluids, antibiotics, and close monitoring. Her journey to recovery is far from over, but every small step forward is a positive sign.

The next critical milestone will be determining whether Solstice is stable enough to begin preparations for her eventual release. Given the complexity of her condition and the rarity of her species in Irish waters, her case underscores the importance of ongoing marine conservation efforts.

What to Do if You Find a Stranded Turtle

If you come across a stranded sea turtle, it’s important to act quickly but carefully to give the animal the best chance of survival. Here are the key steps to follow:

Do Not Return It to the Water: Cold-stunned turtles are unable to swim and may drown if placed back in the sea. Keep the turtle on dry land.

Move the Turtle to a Safe Location: If possible, move the turtle above the high tide line and out of direct wind. Handle the turtle gently and avoid touching its head or limbs.

Keep the Turtle Warm: Cover the turtle with a damp towel to help retain its body heat. Do not attempt to warm it rapidly with hot water or any direct heat.

Contact Us: Call Oceanworld Aquarium immediately. Our team is experienced in marine animal rescue and can provide guidance or arrange transport for the turtle. Even if the sea turtle is dead, please contact us as it may aid scientific research.

By knowing how to respond, you can play a vital role in helping stranded sea turtles like Solstice receive the care they need.

Solstice’s Story Continues

Solstice’s journey is one of resilience, hope, and the critical role of conservation. While her future remains uncertain, the dedicated efforts of our team at Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium highlight the importance of protecting and rehabilitating these magnificent creatures.

Stay tuned for updates on Solstice’s progress and our ongoing conservation initiatives.