Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Stranding Location: Folly Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 7/17/25
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 10.42 kg (22.97 lbs)
Case History
This juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle was hooked by a fisherman on the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Many thanks to everyone involved in safely transporting this patient to the Aquarium for treatment.
Treatment
Upon arrival, Seashore Mallow was very alert and active! As with most of our hooked sea turtle patients, we began with a quick physical exam to check for external wounds. Seashore Mallow was in good body condition and had no external wounds. Next, we captured a radiograph to determine the location of the fishhook. The fishhook was relatively small and in the upper esophagus. In addition, we noted Seashore Mallow’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract was full of crab parts which is a good sign that this patient was eating well in the wild!
Another interesting find on the radiograph was a PIT (passive integrated transponder) tag in Seashore Mallows shoulder! A PIT tag is a small microchip that is placed in the shoulder region of sea turtles when they have been rehabilitated and released or briefly studied while nesting or on research vessels. Each PIT tag has a unique identification number and is entered into an international database exclusively for sea turtle research. Our permitting agency, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), will work on finding more information on Seashore Mallow’s history.
After the radiograph was analyzed, we took a blood sample to further assess Seashore Mallow’s health before discussing our options for fishhook removal procedures. Since this patient’s bloodwork came back stable, we proceeded with light sedation for remove the fishhook orally. We found the eye of the hook quickly thanks to the length of fishing line left behind by the fisherman and followed this up by securing the sharp barb in forceps. We cut the hook in half and safely removed both pieces with little effect on Seashore Mallow’s esophagus! After the procedure, Seashore Mallow received a variety of medications including antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and pain management. S/he was placed in a tank on the first floor of the Aquarium, so stop by to say “Hi!” during your next visit!
Updates
August 15, 2025: Seashore Mallow has been doing swimmingly! S/he is getting closer to release every day.
August 27, 2025: This little Kemp’s was released at Folly Beach County Park! Swim fast, little one!