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The Continuum of Care in the Northeast
Marine turtles, some of the most endangered species in our world,
are stranding on Cape Cod
shores with increasing frequency. See chart to the right.
Beach Rescue
A group of dedicated volunteers coordinated by MA Audubon's Wellfleet
Bay Wildlife Sanctuary scour Cape Cod shores in the fall, looking
for stranded marine turtles. When a turtle is found, it is "cold-stunned"
- its heart rate and breathing have slowed to a point that distinguishing
a live turtle from a dead one is often very difficult. The rescuers
transport the turtles to a critical care facility, usually at the
New England Aquarium.
Critical Care
In the critical care facility, as the turtles are slowly warmed,
their systems return to something close to normal. But more is needed.
The turtles are usually under-nourished or dehydrated. Frequently
they have bacterial pneumonia. Correcting these conditions requires
intense medical treatments, not unlike the critical care phase in
human hospitalizations.
Pre-release Rehabilitation
Following this critical care phase, the turtles still need attention
before they can be returned safely to their marine environment.
The next step parallels physical therapy in human care - a time
to exercise and strengthen muscles, sleep, and restore fat reserves.
In this pre-release period, daily needs include feeding and closely
monitoring her progress.
The NMLC interim facility provides this care.
You can participate in caring for cold-stunned turtles by making
a donation today. Just click on the seal's head.
Major Donors Who Made the Interim Facility Possible
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| Partners
Panaphil Foundation |
Sponsors
The Bilezikian Family Foundation
Joseph M. Hamilburg Foundation
Spears Manufacturing
Yawkey II Foundation |
Patrons
Barbara and Charles Birdsey
Donor Advised Fund at the Boston Foundation
CCBT Financial Companies
Pegasus Foundation
Plymouth Savings Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Howland B. Jones, Jr.
Townsend and Cay Hornor
Rotary Club of Bourne/Sandwich
Entergy Nuclear Northeast
TriNET Systems, Inc.
Christy and Andrea Mihos
Century 21 Bourne Landing Realtors |
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