Two endangered olive ridley sea turtles found in a state of comatose, off the Oregon Coast, have been shifted to SeaWorld, San Diego to continue their rehabilitative care.
The two female sea turtles named Thunder and Lightning were washed up on the beach post the stormy winters that occurred in December. Up until now, they were being taken care of at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Back then, both the turtles had been found in a serious condition and the Aquarium administered the needed medical care.
While the turtles had been recovering well at the aquarium, however, it came to a point where they needed a wider spaced habitat and sunlight. Hence, they were shifted to SeaWorld for further care.
The U.S. Coast Guard transported the sea turtles from the Oregon Coast to San Diego, as a part of their training exercise.
Thunder and Lightning have joined Solstice, another olive ridley sea turtle. Solstice too was rescued and taken care of by the Oregon Coast Aquarium in December 2014 and subsequently moved to SeaWorld for rehabilitation purposes. Officials hope the rescued turtles will soon be rehabilitated into the ocean, their natural habitat.
The public plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the lives of the olive ridley sea turtles, which are listed as endangered.
For instance, in the case of Lightning, who was chanced upon in Bob Straub State Park, Tim Ebarb spotted the turtle in a critical condition and immediately alerted the authorities. Following which, the turtle was given medical attention and taken into the safe comforts of the aquarium.
"The recovery of stranded turtles is always a group effort. Reports from the public, emergency transport from the beach, intensive care at the treatment facilities, return to warmer waters, and eventual release are all crucial steps in the process. This work couldn't be done without highly capable partners like the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Coast Guard, and SeaWorld," said Laura Todd, Newport Field Office Supervisor for the Service.
Photo : Caulier Gilles | Flickr
