MMR Marine Mammal Rescue Centre Patient Directory

Berni

Patient Record

Species: Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Patient ID: LO1901

Admitted on: 2019/10/01

Collection Site: Port Alberni

Reason for Admission: Cold-stunned

Weight at Admission: 26.9 kg

Patient Status: released

Time in Care: 334 days (10 months, 4 weeks, 1 day)

Transfer History

Received from: (Direct to MMR)

Mode of Transport: DFO, BC Ferries, MMR Ambulance

Transfer to: SeaWorld San Diego

Date of Transfer: 2020/08/30

Reason for Transfer: Relocation for release

Release

Release Date: 2020/09/08

Release Site: Near Point Loma, San Diego, CA

Satellite Tracking: View Tracking Map

Story

"Berni" is an Olive Ridley sea turtle, a species usually found only in warmer waters. He was rescued by members of the public at Port Alberni (Vancouver Island) on September 30th, 2019 and appears to be "cold-stunned", a condition that occurs in sea turtles when the water temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius. Cold-stunned sea turtles experience a decrease in heart rate and circulation causing them to become lethargic to the point where they are unable to swim or forage. Berni is only the fourth Olive Ridley sea turtle recorded in B.C. waters and only the second of that species to be treated at the rescue centre.

Patient Updates

Berni was released after 334 days in our care.

Berni was released with a satellite tag. You can open the tracking map to track their movements.

You can see the list of all animals released at this release in the release record.

Berni formally remains a patient at the rescue centre, but is still housed at the Vancouver Aquarium for the remainder of his rehabilitation, until he can be returned to his (much warmer) home.

Berni had a CT scan today. All looks good!

While Berni remains our patient, he has been moved to the Vancouver Aquarium where the infrastructure exists to provide him with a better habitat with more sophisticated environmental control and life support systems. This step will give Berni the best chance for a successful rehabilitation.

Radiographs showed no abnormalities. His body temperature is slowly rising.

Berni seems to be responding to treatment. The plan is to slowly raise his body temperature over time. He is receiving fluids to treat dehydration. Cold-stunning can result in pneumonia, so Berni is also being treated with antibiotics.

Guestbook for Berni

  1. Thank you for this basic info about Berni! I hope we can follow his progress both healthwise and his travels back to where his “people” normally live.
    Thank you!

  6. So glad it sounds like he is on the road to recovery…thank you everyone caring for him!!

  7. Wishing Berni a speedy recovery and safe return to his tropical waters when he’s ready to go! Wondering if the scientists have any idea of his age? Thanks!

  8. Glad to hear that Berni is adapting well to treatment!! <3 Soon to be on the Full road to recovery and to soon be back in the waters where he belongs 🙂

  9. I wish he could tell his story! He’s travelled so far! I’m glad he’s saved and look forward to following! *Speedy Recovery Berni*

  10. I hope a speedy recovery for Bernie and want to follow his progress all the way home

  12. Thank you to all that helped save and are saving Berni!! Taking time out of busy lives to call conservation officers. Kudos to you all.

  13. Bernie as each day passes, you’re that little bit closer swimming back to your tropical waters. Get well Bernie ?

  14. good luck and get well, berni! hoping for a speedy recovery! you are in safe hands and will be back home before you know it! <3
    thank you to all that have helped and are helping berni!

  15. Hi Berni, It’s a long, slow recovery but wishing you the best! Hang in there! Hopefully you’ll be back in your warm waters soon! Sending love and hugs! xoxo

  16. I may only be 12, but I do know that Olive Ridleys are endangered. I wish Bernie wellwishes! may god look over him and protect him from bad people and things!

  17. Looking good Berni! I’m thrilled you are on the road to recovery!! Sending hugs (virtually!)<3

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