Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: North Myrtle Beach. SC
Arrival Date: 7/27/25
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 4.02 kg (8.86 lbs)

Case History

Begonia was accidentally hooked by a fisherman at the Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach and was transported by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) volunteers to the Aquarium for treatment. We thank everyone involved in getting this little Kemp’s ridley to us safely!

Treatment

Begonia arrived at the Aquarium bright and alert. After performing a physical exam, checking vitals and capturing a radiograph to assess the position of the fishhook, we were able to determine that Begonia was healthy enough to attempt oral hook removal. We successfully removed the hook during the admit and administered antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and pain medication to help her/him start feeling better. After waking up from sedation, we placed Begonia in a tank to see how s/he would do. Begonia started swimming around the tank right away!

Updates

August 1, 2025: In the days following fishhook removal, Begonia began eating! Luckily, this young Kemp’s ridley does not seem to be a picky eater so far.

August 15, 2025: Begonia has finally started eating! It is not abnormal for patients to not eat right away after arrival, especially Kemp’s ridleys who tend to be the pickiest species. Our team must get creative and we offer a variety of different diet items that might spark her/his interest. For Begonia, shrimp seems to be her/his preferred diet item! With this newfound appetite, we are now able to get this patient started on a combination of vitamin supplementation that will assist in the recovery process, putting this turtle one step closer to release!

September 15, 2025: Begonia has become less of a picky eater and is now consuming anything we offer her/him, including vitamins! This is an important milestone because Begonia was underweight but has begun to turn the corner with her/his new diet!

September 23, 2025: Begonia was released alongside Plumeria at Folly Beach County Park!