Last week, a 250-pound Loggerhead turtle got stuck in a muddy marsh on Tybee Island. She was far from her usual home.
A volunteer named Tammy Smith from the Tybee Island Marine Science Center (TIMSC) spotted the turtle. Smith called the marine center for help. Sarah Alley, a TIMSC curator, confirmed the turtle had traveled about 0.8 miles from Fort Pulaski.
The turtle was covered in mud and could barely move. She was in a marsh next to the Savannah River, right by Highway 80.
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Start Your News DetoxAlley noted the turtle had crawled a long way through the grass. She then turned around and ended up by the trail. Alley called biologists from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It took them about three hours to get through traffic and reach the turtle.
Rescuing Wilbur
The turtle was not in critical danger, but she needed to cool down. Rescuers used water and wet towels. Alley also used a beach umbrella to keep the turtle shaded.
Alley named the turtle Wilbur. "She was like a little marsh piggy, slapping her flippers in the mud," Alley said. Wilbur showed no external injuries and was very strong.
Wilbur was stressed and laid a single egg. Experts decided not to tag her to avoid more stress. They measured her shell, which was 3.2 feet. Her weight was estimated at 250 pounds.
Finally, Mark Dodd and Blake Marin from the DNR arrived with other TIMSC team members. They carefully moved Wilbur onto an ATV using a large velcro string. She was then taken to a DNR truck and driven back to the ocean.
A Single Egg and a Hopeful Future
After a short trip, Wilbur was safely released back into the water. The single egg she laid was taken by DNR researchers for genetic testing. This is part of an ongoing study at the University of Georgia. They hope to learn more about this strong sea turtle.
Loggerhead turtles like Wilbur are an endangered species. They face threats such as fishing, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Tybee Island is having a record-breaking sea turtle nesting season this year. Female Loggerhead turtles are laying more nests than ever. Conservationists are watching to see how this impacts the species' future. Nesting season runs from May 1 to October 31.
TIMSC shared a message on Facebook after Wilbur's return: "Swim safe out there, Wilbur. We hope to have you nest safely on Tybee's beach!"
