On August 21, 2015 I had the opportunity to accompany a member of the stranding team, and other volunteers, for the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital in Surf City. The purpose of the trip was to transport a very sick turtle we came to call Tiki. Tiki was VERY sick and subsequently did not survive her illness, despite our best efforts and best wishes.
Our little band of rescuers were so anxious and hopeful, that it is my opinion, Jean Beasley, the turtle lady, took pity on us and while she knew the very slim chances for Tiki, she wanted to show us hope….and her way of doing that was to allow us a behind the scenes tour. We were able to see up close the progress to healing of many turtles.
Here are a few of them:
I have chosen to not include any photos of Tiki. I took plenty in anticipation of showing how well (s)he recovered and in anticipation of the day I would get to see her return to the ocean. Since that day won’t come I am not sharing her photos here. Instead I am choosing to share the good story of those who will return to the ocean one day! Swim free dear Tiki…..would that we could have saved you.
