Brigantine's 279-Pound Turtle Needs Help Paying For Her Lunch
BRIGANTINE, N.J. (CBS) -- A nearly 300-pound turtle, who washed up at the Jersey Shore last month needs help paying for her food as she continues to recover after her rescue.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is asking for donations to help feed Esther Williams, the approximately 50-year-old loggerhead sea turtle they rescued from 10th street beach in Avalon on September 26.
In a Facebook post, the center explained Esther's all-Whelk diet. Problem is the snails costs $3.25 per pound and Esther needs 5-9 of them a day. The center says they have already exceeded their yearly food budget.
Staff is also working on getting a flight for Esther to North Carolina for further rehabilitation. The center explained Esther's large size makes her "undesirable" for captivity, meaning it would be hard to find an aquarium who would want to add Esther to their collection.
At the time of her rescue, Esther weighed in at 279.4 pounds and the center calls on the help of local firefighters from time to time to help lift the "big girl."
People who want to help feed and care for Esther can click here to donate to MMSC.
