The South Carolina Aquarium was treating a rare, 475-pound leatherback sea turtle after it was found stranded on a beach near Charleston.
Courtesy South Carolina Aquarium
The endangered turtle was found stranded on the Yawkey-South Island Preserve near Georgetown, South Carolina. Rescuers named the turtle Yawkey after where it was found. It's believed to be the first rescue of a leatherback sea turtle in South Carolina history
Courtesy South Carolina Aquarium
Staff gave the turtle antibiotic shots and fluids after discovering the animal was hypoglycemic. Yawkey has responded well to treatment and is "much more spunky" than when it first arrived Saturday.
Courtesy South Carolina Aquarium
Aquarium staffers use a winch to lower the 475-pound turtle into a tank.
Courtesy South Carolina Aquarium
Yawkey measures about 4.5 feet long and is believed to be a juvenile (under 10 years old). Because of its relatively youthful age, rescuers do not know the sex of the turtle yet.
Courtesy South Carolina Aquarium
The aquarium is working with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to determine the best time and place to release the turtle back into the ocean. The release will likely happen within the next few days.
