Help Save Oiled Sea Turtles

July 5th, 2010


Turtles-4-Turtles


The mission of this program is to raise awareness and donate funds for the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. Lady Chocolatier would like to take part in those efforts and we need your help.  100% of all profits from our sales of Chocolate Pecan Turtles will be donated to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the primary facility for current sea turtle recovery from the gulf oil spill.

All seven species of this prehistoric reptile are currently endangered and have been for decades. With five of the seven species living and breeding in the Gulf of Mexico the recent oil spill has heightened the cause for concern. I wish not to dwell on the numbers that have perished since the spill first began, oiled or not.  What I want is to raise awareness and to assist in the rehabilitation of LIVE sea turtles.

Biologists, Veterinarians and Volunteers have been working long hours in the heat of the summer in an effort to de-oil rescued turtles.  De-oiling is the process of bathing and carefully removing oil from the exterior of the turtle.  In addition to multiple baths, the turtles are being treated with electrolytes, antibiotics and Toxiban, a product that helps prevent further absorption of oil by the digestive system and internal organs. Data is also being collected to help monitor long term effects of direct oil exposure.

I’ve learned of these treatments from the New England Aquarium Marine Animal Rescue Team Blog, written by Biologist Connie Merigo. (The above photos also came from this detailed blog.) Connie was sent from the New England Aquarium to assist with the rescue effort led by the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. AOA is presently one of four designated local institutions that have been set up as critical care facilities for oiled turtles. The Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program, coordinated by the AOA, is the primary responder for the state of Louisiana for rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing marine mammals and sea turtles.

As of April 30th there are approximately 147 turtles in rehabilitation centers, 115 of these were rescued with visible evidence of external oil. Currently 105 are being treated at the AOA, with more turtles arriving every day. Therefore, I have decided all current donations from Lady Chocolatier will go directly to them.

For more information on the effects of the oil spill updated daily check the following sites.

National Oceanic  and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce

Deepwater Horizon Response

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