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Sea Turtle Care Center: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release

Featured Image: Massive Science

The South Carolina Aquarium is home to more than just fish. The aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center™ encompasses both the original Sea Turtle Hospital and the newer expansion – the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery.

Every species of sea turtle is threatened or endangered, and the SC Aquarium believes that the preservation of these charismatic animals is critical to the health of the marine ecosystem.

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When a sea turtle is found stranded or injured off the coast of South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) brings the animal to the Sea Turtle Care Center for treatment from dedicated staff and volunteers. Sea turtles can arrive suffering from any number of illnesses or injuries. Most commonly, sea turtles are brought in due to either debilitated turtle syndrome, which is a state of shock from being exposed to cold temperatures, or injury from a boat strike or shark bite. These turtles are then rehabilitated and released home to rejoin the sea turtle population.

For 17 years, a team of staff and volunteers has been committed to patients at the Sea Turtle Hospital. The majority of the hospital’s functions have moved to the first floor as a part of the newest addition to the Sea Turtle Care Center, the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery, but the hospital still functions as an intensive care unit for critical patients.

The Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery is both a hospital and a guest experience, allowing aquarium guests to see the full process of rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured sea turtles. Guests are able to get a first-hand view of the real-life rehabilitation. Be sure to stay for a Turtle Talk to hear about the process of rescue, rehabilitation and release from care center staff and learn what it takes to be a sea turtle biologist.

Guests who wish to join in these efforts may become Sea Turtle Guardians by making annual or recurring contributions to the care center. Purchase general admission tickets to the South Carolina Aquarium to get the full Sea Turtle Care Center experience and check out the summer schedule for Turtle Talks.

Guest Columns

For Locals Only: Where To Go To Escape Tourists In Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Edisto Beach Facebook

Obviously, we love Charleston. And we love that other people love Charleston. But sometimes us locals can get a little overwhelmed by the tourists that pour into town all year. So, if you want to have a little time to yourself or commune with locals, then try to get away for a while and visit one of the following places.

Edisto Island

Edisto Beach has fewer tourists than Charleston Beaches

Image Credit: Edisto Beach Facebook

It’s off the beaten path, so it’s a little bit of a trek, but Edisto Beach is worth a day trip. This island community is small, but welcoming. A beautiful beach with fewer tourists than Folly, IOP or Sullivan’s awaits after the drive. Once you’re there you can simply enjoy the beach or head out on a boat or eco tour. There’s also a museum on the island and a serpentarium as well as a golf course. And one of the most untouched and eerie beaches is located on the island at Botany Bay Plantation (pictured).

Chapel Street Fountain Park

Not Many Tourists at Chapel Street Fountain Garden

Image Credit: Kevin Cunningham Facebook

There are plenty of charming neighborhood parks in Charleston that you can retreat to when you’re tired of tourists. Chapel Street Fountain park is just one of them. This pocket park on Chapel Street is a hidden downtown Charleston oasis. In the park, lush gardens surround an iron fountain. It’s the perfect place for quiet and reflection.

Daniel Island Waterfront Park

No Tourists on Daniel Island

Featured Image Credit: McKenzie Danyelle Wardwell Facebook

Aside from the tennis stadium, Daniel Island is primarily a residential part of Charleston. Therefore, you won’t find many tourists on the island. There are several parks on the island perfect for walking, running, or cycling. One with the best view is Daniel Island Waterfront Park. As the name suggests, it’s on the water, situated on the Wando River. Go for a stroll and take in the beauty of one of Charleston’s many waterways.

Charleston Library Society

Duck into the Charleston Library Society to escape tourists

Image Credit: Charleston Library Society Facebook

If you’re not in the mood to go to a park while you’re downtown, you can escape to in Downtown Charleston, there’s another quiet place you can duck into to want to ditch the tourists. The Charleston Library Society is in the heart of historic downtown and allows visitors to come in during normal operating hours and enjoy the main reading room. It’s a great place to read (obviously), study, or just get your thoughts together. If you’re fond of the library, it might be worth it to get a membership and get access to more of the library.

Old Santee Canal Park

Old Santee Canal Park

Image Credit: Old Santee Canal Park Facebook

Another destination you may want to consider if you want to avoid tourists in Charleston is Old Santee Canal Park. Take a day trip from the Peninsula to Moncks Corner and visit the site of the country’s first canal. Packed with history and plenty of recreational opportunities (canoeing, fishing, picnicking), Old Santee Canal Park is full of fun. There are four miles of meandering boardwalks for nature viewing, an interpretive center, a museum and heritage center, and a plantation on the 195 acre park.