Turtles relocated to Chattanooga Aquarium,
Sea turtles and other animals were temporarily relocated to Chattanooga from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island as animal care experts prepped for Hurricane Irma last week.
More than two dozen animals arrived by transport truck at the Tennessee Aquarium Animal Care Facility on Friday night, according to a news release from the aquarium.
The animals include loggerhead, green and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, as well as a group of gopher tortoises, diamondback terrapins, box turtles and other reptiles. Many of these animals are either threatened or endangered species and originally came to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center as rescues, the release states.
“Fortunately we have some spacious saltwater tanks for the sea turtles, and we’ve been able to provide comfortable accommodations for the other animals, as well,” said Matt Hamilton, the aquarium’s curator of fishes.
Despite making a temporary detour to Chattanooga, most of the animals are on the road to recovery. Having a secure facility in which they can shelter and continue the process of healing is critical, said Michelle Kaylor, rehabilitation coordinator at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
“It’s nice to get the animals away from harm and get them put up in a situation where they’re safe and taken care of,” said Keller, who worked at the Tennessee Aquarium before taking her position at the center.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center serves as one of the Southeast’s top marine life rehabilitation, research and education facilities. Most animals pass through the center only after they become ill or experience an injury. After they recover, biologists reintroduce the animals to their native habitat, but occasionally an animal has to remain longer or find another more permanent accommodation. While in Chattanooga, care of the relocated animals will be overseen by Tennessee Aquarium staff in collaboration with about a dozen specialists from the Jekyll Island facility, including its veterinarian and director.