Coco

Distribution of green sea turtles in the South Atlantic Bight

A project of SCDNR/MRD/MRRI.

click map for full-size version

Full-Size Map (67KB)
Zoom Map (37KB)

Species: Green Turtle
Life Stage: Juvenile
Gender: unknown
Release Date: 2021-10-20 15:30:00
Release Location: Jekyll Island, GA
Last Location: 2022-03-12 04:03:57

Background

"Coco" is a juvenile (37.4cm SCLmin, 6.5kg) green sea turtle that stranded on Jekyll Island, GA with a fractured skull and carapace from a boat strike on 16 July 2020. “Coco” was transported to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island for emergency care and rehabilitation. Unrelated to stranding, “Coco” was also missing a rear flipper. The skull fracture was repaired under general anesthesia using Steristrips and tissue glue and Rediheal and tissue glue. The carapace fracture was stabilized with screws and wires. Rediheal and tissue glue and Wound VAC therapy were used during the course of healing. Total parenteral nutrition or TPN (intravenous nutrition) was used to maintain “Coco's” weight and strength. After several months of not eating and associated anemia, "Coco" finally turned the corner. Following a year and three months of rehabilitation, "Coco" was released off Jekyll Island 19 October 2021. We are excited to follow "Coco" using a satellite transmitter to get a better idea of the seasonal whereabouts of this very fortunate sea turtle!