Edisto the loggerhead goes home
The Post and Courier
Matt Gorman (left) and Larry Waddle (front right) with the Edisto Beach Fire Dept. help carry Loggerhead sea turtle "Edisto" up the beach toward the ocean as he is released at Folly Beach County Park Saturday. The turtle was rehabilitated after being rescued at Edisto Beach where he was discovered entangled in a crab trap last May.
With camera crews swarming, any passerby might have thought Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan had shown up on Folly Beach Saturday.
The throngs of adoring fans were not there to see a Hollywood movie star, but Edisto, a 300-pound loggerhead turtle rescued with extensive wounds in the waters off Edisto Beach in May.
Edisto is the largest loggerhead turtle nursed back to health by the South Carolina Aquarium. Hundreds showed up to bid him farewell.
At noon, Edisto was brought in on the bed of a pick-up truck draped in wet towels. Six people hoisted the 30-year-old loggerhead from the truck as cameras flashed and young children stared in awe of his size.
He was initially slow to move but with the help of workers from the aquarium and Edisto Fire Department, which helped rescue Edisto earlier this year, he was on his way back.
"Yeah Edisto, you can do it," yelled one of the kids standing behind protective yellow plastic lines.
Scientists with the aquarium are eager to follow Edisto's movements using the satellite tracking device attached to his back.
Jason Crichton, director of husbandry and facilities at the aquarium, was pleased to see so many turn out for Edisto's release.
The Post and Courier
Edisto, a 315 Pound, thirty year-old loggerhead sea turtle makes his way toward the water at Folly Beach County Park Saturday. He was rehabilitated at the South Carolina Aquarium after he was found entangled in a crab trap rope in May.
"It's a species that has stuck through thick and thin," he said. "I think it's something the general public wants to partake in."
Adult male loggerheads never return to beaches and are rarely seen. Working with Edisto gives the aquarium unprecedented access to the life of male loggerheads.
"Ultimately we want to see (Edisto) mate and provide offspring," Crichton said. "That means (he) made a full recovery in the water."
Husband and wife Don and Tamara Bowman recently moved to the Charleston area from Missouri and were at Folly Beach for Saturday's release. The couple was moved to see the care and compassion shown to Edisto during his release.
"It's just a unique experience," Tamara said fighting back tears. "It's hard to put into words."
Reach Jasiri Whipper at 745-5863 or jwhipper@postand courier.com.
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