Solstice, an olive ridley sea turtle found stranded on the coast of Washington, is taking temporary shelter at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport.
On Dec. 21, Solstice, a female turtle, was discovered on the shores near Long Beach Peninsula. As the turtle was rescued on the winter solstice, Dec. 21, it was named after the phenomenon. Officials reported that two more sea turtles were found dead on the Oregon coast later in December.
Marine biologists say that olive ridley turtle species thrives mainly in warm tropical waters, from the coast of Peru to California. It is not very common for a sea turtle to wash on the coasts of Long Beach Peninsula, but they are sometimes found stranded on some Oregon beaches.
Erin Paxton, spokeswoman for the Oregon Coast Aquarium, says that they normally find turtles stranded on beaches after storms. The warm currents can carry these turtles to northern latitudes. When the warm tropical water dissolves in the cold Pacific Ocean water, the turtles get hypothermic.
Solstice was initially taken to the Seaside Aquarium but was then transferred to the Oregon Coast Aquarium on Dec. 22 as the staff at the turtle's new home is believed to be more experienced at taking care of stranded turtles.
"Initial blood tests indicated that she had no sign of infection and is stronger than many turtles the Aquarium has received in the past," said Jim Burke, director of animal husbandry at the Aquarium.
When Solstice was found, her body temperature was 15 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the 75-degree Fahrenheit norm. The turtle was hypothermic and dehydrated.
However, the caretakers of the turtle say that its body temperature has now increased by 12 degrees Fahrenheit following the care she is receiving.
Solstice is now getting hydration fluids, baths and practice swims to ensure she is in good medical shape.
Olive ridley turtles usually have olive green shells that are a bit heart-shaped. The turtle species is one of the most abundant and common, but the U.S. treats them as endangered.
Solstice weighs over 40 pounds and is considered a sub-adult. A fully grown turtle of the species can weigh up to 110 pounds.
"We hope she [Solstice] will become healthy enough to be released, and that is the goal of our rehabilitation team. Ultimately, where she ends up is at the discretion of the US Fish and Wildlife Service," Paxton said.
