Written and photographed by Jordan Petteys
Serving as a rehabilitation sea hospital, educational center, research facility and more, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center located on Jekyll Island treats a number of sick and injured sea turtles with the intention of releasing every turtle back into the ocean.
The center requires all staffers have a background in Biology, while treating sick or injured wildlife requires a veterinary degree. Considered an expert in the field veterinarian Dr. Cherry Norton helps to author textbooks and presents at conferences in addition to his devotion to the center.
Americorp members dedicate six months to a year to research, conversation and community outreach. Volunteers, who are not required to have a background in Biology can clean tanks, feed animals, lead educational programming and holds week-long summer camps for kids all ages.
Waste pollution heavily contributes to marine life. Sea turtles and other wildlife oftentimes confuse plastic bags, plastic shampoo beads, straws, microplastic from cigarettes and other debris for food. The harmful chemicals in these waste products combined with their inability to be properly digested, can corrupt an animal’s digestive tract making eating very difficult or sometimes impossible.
“It really aligns with my passions because I grew up on a small island, understanding that we take care of the environment because it’s the only one we have. It’s easy to talk about because it’s a good story and it’s something we all have to keep up with,” Communications Manager Jessica Scott, said.
While the center is permitted to rescue any sea turtle found or reported on Jekyll Island, sea turtles discovered anywhere along the Georgia coast are reported to the Department of Natural Resources then picked up on site and transported to the center for treatment.
“It’s very similar to what happens at the ER or urgent care as a human,” Scott said. Each sea turtle patient has their own file as they undergo therapy that helps guide their intentional and specific care. Veterinarians prescribe a variety of remedies to patients from antibiotics to meeting nutritional diets.
The center invites the community to work alongside them in supporting oceanic wildlife. “Everyone can do something. It’s as simple as taking a bag with you and picking up garbage on a morning walk,” Scott said. “Even if you don’t live on the coast, know that any piece of trash could eventually end up in a body of water, and all water leads to the ocean. By picking up a piece of garbage in the front yard or the side of the road, you are absolutely helping and making the environment safer for everyone.”
Sea turtles at the center are available for symbolical adoption. Adoptive parents will receive updates about their turtles treatment and release, and all are invited to their release back into the ocean. The center welcomes cash donations and purchases from their Amazon wishlist, including scrub brushes and large medical equipment. Ultimately, a more environmentally conscious community promotes long lasting change.
Citizens are not permitted to touch wildlife without a permit. To report an injured, sick, or stuck sea turtle or animal anywhere along the Georgia coast, notify the Department of Natural Resources (1800-2-SAVE ME), a hotline open 24 hours a day.
Wildlife on Jekyll Island can be directed toward the Sea Turtle Center hotline (912-222-5992), also available 24 hours a day. The Sea Turtle center welcomes visitors to the hospital and self guided tours from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
