The end of this week marked the end of my Dawn Difference Diaries adventure. It’s hard to believe it has been almost three months already. I feel that I have learned and grown so much during this journey. The organizations that I had the opportunity to visit are the best wildlife rescue agencies in the country. Each organization, the International Bird Rescue and Research Center, the Marine Mammal Center, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Tri-State Bird, the Cape Cod Stranding Network, and the National Marine Life Center, makes such a crucial impact on wildlife survival. They are all deeply dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals, including many endangered species. There work reduces the impact that humans have on wildlife and their habitats. I feel so privileged that I was able to work closely with the people who truly make a difference everyday. I am so thankful to Dawn and the wildlife rescue agencies. Their dedication to the animals with whom we share our our planet gives me hope for our future. Thanks!

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 27, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (1)

Today, I helped Lauren, from the NMLC, take care of the Northern Red-Bellied Cooters. First, Lauren and I took the turtles out of their tank, one by one. It was fun to feel them squirming in my hand. We then measured the lengths of their carapaces with a special ruler. They were about 55mm long, on average. We then put each of them in a cup and weighed them on a tiny scale. They weighed an average of 50 grams. However, there was one turtle that brought the average way up. He was much longer and heavier than the rest. He was appropriately named “Tank.”

The NMLC got the Red-Bellied Cooters in September as part of the head start program. They have grown tremendously since then. They were only about the size of a quarter when they were first brought in to the center. The will be nurtured at the NMLC for almost a year, before being released in local ponds. With the care and support they receive at the center, they will grow as much in one year as a Red-Bellied Cooter in the wild would grow in five years! This is really amazing. It really does give them a much-needed head start in life.

Today was my last day at the CCSN and NMLC. After work, the staff of both organizations had a fondue party for me at Kathy Zagzebski’s house. Almost everyone was there. We had three different kinds of cheese fondue and two different kinds of chocolate fondue. The food was delicious and the party was a lot of fun. After spending three weeks with the CCSN and the NMLC, I was really sad to leave. They are both amazing organizations with dedicated and caring staff. I feel honored that I was able to spend time there.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 16, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (1)

A member of the public called the CCSN this morning to report a possible pilot whale swimming dangerously close to shore. The whale was sighted near Scusset Beach in Bourne, MA, heading south. When I arrived this morning, I went with Katie and CT to check it out. We surveyed the area with binoculars and there was no whale in sight. We then traveled to a beach a little further south and surveyed the area there. There was no whale there either. This was good news. Whales occasionally follow food to shallow water. It probably just made its way back out to sea.

A potential pilot whale stranding is a scary situation. This is because pilot whales are one of the marine mammal species that tends to mass strand. There are many theories as to why they mass strand; including geomagnetic anomalies which may confuse their navigational abilities, getting trapped by extreme high and low tides, getting trapped by the complex topography of the area, and falling victim to disease or injury. Further, pilot whales are extremely social animals. They usually travel in large pods of up to 100 whales. Since they travel together, if one whale strands, they all strand. It was really hard to see the dolphins strand this week. I can't even imagine what it would be like to see a mass stranding. 

In the afternoon, I worked with the NMLC and helped Brian with some turtle care. First, we cut up some squid and shrimp to feed to the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, Claw. She ate very well today. Afterwards, we took her out of the pool to examine and weigh her. She weighed over 13 pounds. She gained a whole pound since last week! The difference between Claw and the new cold-stunned turtles is amazing. She looks great. She is healthy and will soon be traveling to Florida for release back to the sea.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 15, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)

Today I went down to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute to help the CCSN perform necropsies on the two dolphins that stranded yesterday. There was a team of 12 people there to help, made up of scientists, technicians, and volunteers. Everybody was really anxious to find any clues as to why the dolphins stranded. I assisted with the necropsy of the calf. We collected samples to be tested for contaminants, such as PCBs, mercury, and other heavy metals. We also collected samples to be tested for viral infections, including morbillivirus. Morbillivirus is an infection that causes serious disease in several species of animals and in people. The necropsy of the calf showed many different types of parasites and an irregular heart. The necropsy of the mom showed a very large abscess on her stomach, which was a sign of severe infection. She was also very emaciated, indicating that she had been sick for a long time.

The results from the samples we collected won’t come back for a few weeks. However, there are many theories as to why single dolphins strand, such as disorientation, parasitic infection, illness, natural mortality, injury, and difficulty navigating coastal waters. Even though the two dolphins stranded together, it was still considered a single stranding. These dolphins were a mother and calf pair; wherever the mother goes, the calf will follow. Therefore, since the calf was dependent on his mother, they both stranded together.

I think this incident was particularly upsetting because dolphins are mammals. People feel a kinship with them because they are a lot like us in many ways. Also, this was a mother and calf pair, which adds to the tragedy. It is, however, comforting to know that the CCSN is dedicated to helping dolphins and other marine mammals. Also, information learned from these dolphins might help save others in the future. 

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 13, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)

Today was a sad day in Cape Cod. Early this morning, I got a call from the CCSN informing me that the two dolphins that had stranded last night had re-stranded this morning. They were found on a beach in Eastham. I immediately drove over to the CCSN and rode to the scene in the animal ambulance. There were already volunteers there when we arrived. The scene was pretty grim. There were two Common Dolphins, a mom and a calf, that were stranded in about a foot and a half of water. The mom was already lifeless. We put the calf on a stretcher and moved him over to the beach to examine him. Upon examination, Sarah discovered that his organ systems were already shutting down. There was no hope for him either. I felt bad for the dolphins and for the CCSN staff. It was heartbreaking.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 11, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)

I drove up to Eastham today to meet Bill Allen for the 3:10 high tide. We were headed out for another turtle walk. I was really eager to go on today’s walk because the weather this week has brought in many cold-stunned turtles. Today was a cold, sunny, beautiful day on the cape. It was also ideal weather for finding cold-stunned turtles, as the wind was strong and blowing directly toward the beach.

I met up with Bill around 3:00. We hopped in his car and he dropped me off at a beach about a mile down the road. Bill drove to another beach. We each walked our beaches separately looking for any sign of cold-stunned turtles. When I was finished, I headed back to pick up Bill. As I approached the beach parking lot, I noticed that Bill was sitting down. When I got closer, I realized that he was with a turtle! Bill had found a Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle on the shore among the seagrass. I rushed over to Bill and the turtle. We scooped it up and put it in my car. It felt so limp and cold when I picked it up. I felt sorry for the little turtle, but I was really happy that it was found and was going to get the best care possible. We kept it in the car while we finished looking for more cold-stunned turtles on the other beaches in the area. We were careful to keep the temperature around 50 degrees. At the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, where the cold-stunned turtles recieve their initial triage care, they will gradually increase the turtle's temperature to avoid shocking its system. Bill and I named the turtle Dawn.

While I was finishing up on my last beach, I got a call from Sarah, from the Cape Cod Stranding Network, informing me that there were two stranded dolphins in Provincetown. I finished up on the beach and immediately started heading toward Provincetown. I was really excited that I was going to see the CCSN in action. However, while I was on my way, I got a call back from the CCSN informing me that the dolphins could not be located. Apparently, they had made there way back out to sea. I was really happy to hear this. Although I really wanted to see the CCSN in action, I was thankful that the dolphins made it back out to sea.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 11, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (1)

Today, I went with Katie, from the Cape Cod Stranding Network, to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Katie is the necropsy coordinator at the CCSN. I assisted her with a necropsy of a Harbor Seal pup. It was really interesting. It took a couple hours to perform. We collected tissue samples to be tested for toxins and pox virus. One suspicious thing that we found was what looked like bite marks on the tail and flippers. The bite marks could have been from a coyote attack. Packs of coyotes patrol the beaches in the area and are known to attack seals on shore. This is of concern to rehabbers because it could be possible for the coyotes to transmit rabies to seals. This could pose a danger during rehabilitation. Necropsies are important because information obtained during necropsies can help rehabbers better care for living seals.

In addition to the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles, they are also rehabilitating a Green Sea Turtle at the New England Aquarium. I had never seen a Green Turtle before, so this was really exciting for me. They don’t usually rescue Green Turtles until a little later in the season. The Green Sea Turtle was bigger than the Kemp’s Ridleys and she was beautiful. She is doing really well. I helped them feed her squid and herring. She was a pretty aggressive eater. This was  entertaining to watch (see video).

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 9, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)

The recent inclement weather in Cape Cod brought many new cold-stunned turtles in this week. Everyone had been wondering whether the turtles were still floating out in the sea, or if they had made it south before the water got too cold. This week brought the answer to that question. Apparently, as the wind kept changing direction, the cold-stunned turtles were being shuffled around the Cape Cod Bay. The turtle total for this week was fifteen. Unfortunately, six didn’t make it, but nine have entered rehab.

The New England Aquarium was extremely busy with the new Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles. Brian and I were there to help. It was crazy! It seemed like there were turtles everywhere! They were all covered in algae, and some even had barnacles attached to their shells. I felt so bad for them. They looked pitiful. We had to examine them, check their heart rates, and treat any wounds. It was pretty hectic. The turtles also had to have blood drawn to detect infection, disease, pH, and calcium levels. Many needed IV fluids. After their exams, we put them into kiddie pools for about an hour. These pools were around 60 degrees. This was to evaluate whether they were able to swim and breathe in the water. The turtles were then put into pools that were about 65 degrees. The idea is to try to gradually increase their temperature to avoid shocking their systems. After they are acclimated to the water, they will go into large, warm pools.

One new, little turtle was in pretty bad shape. The rehabbers could not get a heart rate on him and he didn’t appear to be breathing very often. He was immediately brought upstairs to the ICU. There, the veterinarian intubated him to help him breathe. He also received IV fluids. His heart rate was really low, so he was give meds to get it pumping. Afterwards, he went into an incubator to get his temperature up. A little while later, the turtle looked a lot better…he was breathing and even did okay in the kiddie pool.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 8, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)

At 7:00 this morning, Brian and I picked up Harpoon from the NMLC. This was the beginning of her journey to freedom. Harpoon’s flight, from Boston to Florida, was scheduled for 2:00 in the afternoon. Before going to the airport, we drove Harpoon to the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA. It took us over an hour to get there from the center. All the turtles that the NMLC rehabilitates are originally sent from the New England Aquarium. After a sea turtle is found on the beach, it is brought to the aquarium for intensive care. After they are stabilized, some of the turtles are sent to the NMLC for their rehabilitation.

At the aquarium, Harpoon was examined, weighed and measured. We then drove her to the airport in the animal ambulance. The animal ambulance looks a lot like a regular ambulance, with lights and a siren. These people do not mess around when it comes to animal rescue! When we arrived at the airport, we brought Harpoon into the cargo area. She was scheduled to fly to Florida by herself, as cargo. This sounded strange to me at first. However, the New England Aquarium has been successfully sending turtles to Florida this way for ten years. Before tying her crate, we lubricated her carapace. This was to keep her shell from drying out during her three hour flight. The plane departed at 2:00, as scheduled. I was happy that she was another step closer to freedom.

Harpoon’s release has been a long time coming. She was in rehab for almost a year. In addition to all the problems associated with being cold-stunned, she also had buoyancy issues. Basically, she floated. Being too buoyant could make her a prime target for predators and prevent her from feeding. Due to these issues, she missed the opportunity to be released locally, when the waters were warm.

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles, like Harpoon, are the most highly endangered species of sea turtle in the world. Every individual is crucial to the survival of the species. Harpoon is a female. She will probably go on to lay many eggs in her future. I feel that her release was a step in the right direction toward the propagation of the species. I felt honored to be a part of it.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 6, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)

It was snowing today in Massachusetts! This caught me by surprise. It’s hard to believe that I was on the beach in Florida three weeks ago! This was the first snow of the season in the area. After I scraped off my car, I headed down to the NMLC. When I arrived, I learned some really great news. Harpoon was scheduled for release! I was really happy to hear this. She will be flown down to Florida on Wednesday. After a short stay at the Living Seas in Epcot to recuperate from the journey, she will be released. Harpoon needs to be released down south because the water is too cold this time of year in Cape Cod for her to survive.   

All of the rescued cold-stunned turtles, including Harpoon, are juveniles. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles lay their eggs almost exclusively on one beach in Mexico, Ranch Nuevo. When they are fully mature, they usually never leave the Gulf of Mexico area. However, many young Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles follow food sources and end up riding the Gulf Stream all the way up to New England. If they can't find their way south, and the water gets too cold, they end up stranding.

After the meeting, Brian let me do the water quality testing on the turtle tanks. I like this kind of work. I find it really interesting. In addition to the in-house testing, a sample is also brought to a lab once a week for coliform bacteria testing. Today, Joanne and I collected this sample and brought it to the lab. I was amazed at how much hard work and attention goes into the turtle’s water quality.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 5, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)

Early this morning, I drove to Eastham to meet up with Bill Allen. Bill is a dedicated volunteer for Mass Audubon, the largest conservation organization in New England. Mass Audubon coordinates all the “turtle walks” in the area. The NMLC works with Mass Audubon and helps out with the walks. A turtle walk is when people walk up and down the beaches looking for cold-stunned turtles. Today, I went on a turtle walk with Bill. We walked about three miles of beaches in the Eastham area, including first encounter beach, campground beach, and thumpertown beach.  Bill does this walk every day, many times twice a day!

Oftentimes, scientists are able to successfully predict the time and location of sea turtle strandings, according to temperature, wind speed, and wind direction. The turtles are most likely to strand during extended, strong winds that are blowing toward the beach. There is actually a direct correlation between wind speed and turtle strandings, the stronger the wind, the more turtles that strand. Also, the turtle walks are timed to coincide with the high tides, as this is when the cold-stunned turtles are likely to wash up.   

We didn’t find any cold-stunned turtles today. Bill said the weather was probably too nice…even though I thought it was freezing! However, there is a storm coming, so there maybe turtles washing up this week. We did find a lucky horseshoe crab that we threw back into the water. Bill also took the opportunity to educate some locals about what to do if they come across a cold-stunned turtle. The proper procedure is to move the turtle to the top of the beach and mark its location. The turtle should be covered up with something, such as seaweed. Mass Audubon, or a local wildlife rescue agency, should then be contacted.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 4, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)

I had the day off today and I decided to go in search of some local culture. The town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, has been famous for over one hundred years for its "Sandwich glass". Brian, from NMLC, recommended that I go to McDermott glass studio in Sandwich. When I arrived, they were almost closed, but David McDermott came out from the studio and showed me the gallery anyway. When I asked him about some martini glasses, he said that they were currently working on some in the studio. He then offered to let me watch them make one (see video). This was really interesting. I have never seen glass blowing before. It was really remarkable and artistic. The finished product turned out beautifully. I was happy that I was able to witness it first hand.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 2, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)

Today, in the morning, I attended the National Marine Life Center’s regular “meet the president” breakfast. This is a meeting where donors and potential volunteers meet the staff, the volunteers, and the president of the center, Cathy Zagzebski. It’s a great way for them to see first hand what’s going on at the NMLC. I learned a lot during the discussion. Also, Rogers gave me an update on Claw’s condition. She was confirmed to be negative for any visible fungal lesions. I was really happy to hear this news.

After the meeting, I helped Lauren and Joanne run water quality tests on the sea turtle pools. We tested the water for ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, temperature, pH, and salinity. Afterwards, we fed Claw and Harpoon. We fed them squid, herring, and shrimp. They are also occasionally fed live crabs. The live crabs are their favorite.

It was really fun working with the sea turtles. This is something that is completely new to me. They are such amazing animals. I was pretty upset to learn that Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are the most seriously endangered of all the sea turtles. In fact, all species of sea turtles are endangered. Major threats to population numbers include habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear and pollution.  One way to help would be to support legislation that protects the environment, so turtles like Claw and Harpoon can continue to survive.

Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 2, 2006 | View Entry | Comments (0)