Augustus

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

(ST12055)

Age Class	Juvenile
Gender	Unknown
Date Stranded	December 14, 2012
Location of Stranding	Barnstable, Massachusetts
Date of Arrival	December 22, 2012
Number of Days of Care	50

Final Disposition

Released 19 February 2013

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Augustus upon arrival.

Augustus is one of several sea turtles rescued as part of a mass stranding event in Massachusetts due to cold water temperatures. Sea turtles, which are reptiles, become lethargic and their internal organs and bodily functions can be hindered or shut down altogether when water temperatures drop low enough and they become hypothermic.

The turtles were sent to Florida after initial rescue and treatment by the New England Aquarium. Other facilities that have taken cold stunned turtles from this stranding event include Sea World, Volusia Marine Science Center, Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the Florida Aquarium.

12/27 Augustus has adjusted very well to the medical pool — swimming and resting on the bottom. Seems active and alert. Turtle is eating food offered, although still needs to be stick fed about half its diet. Turtle is only eating food of the bottom of tank about half the time. Bloodwork indicates turtle has low potassium, calcium, iron and glucose. Turtle is receiving supplements for each. Augustus is on antibiotic treatment and fluid therapy.

12/30 Potassium levels have increased, discontinued supplements.

1/5 Antibiotic treatment discontinued, iron injections given due to low levels.

2/1 Discontinued iron injections and turtle is expected to be released on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from Florida's east coast.

2/19 Released!