Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Stranding Location: R/V Lady Lisa offshore South Carolina
Arrival Date: 06/09/2011
Age: adult
Weight: 34.6 kg
Case History
Bennett is the first adult female Kemp’s ridley sea turtle we’ve ever admitted into our hospital! She is also the third sea turtle captured by the SCDNR research vessel, the Lady Lisa, and admitted into our hospital this year. While the other two turtles captured by this shrimp trawler were suffering from infection/disease, Bennett was stung by a stingray while in the bag end of the net. The stingray’s barb pierced her right inguinal region, and Bennett was given dexamethasone (an anti-inflammatory steroid) by a STH staff member working with the SCDNR boat crew immediately after the injury. Other than the stingray barb wound, Bennett was in excellent health and was thriving in South Carolina’s coastal waters at the time of capture.
Treatment
Upon arrival to the STH, this 34.6 kg turtle’s wound was flushed and treated with Panalog. Bennett received fluids, injectable vitamins, and antibiotics. Her blood work is excellent and her prognosis is good.
Updates
10 July 2011: Bennett never developed any signs of envenomation, and her injury healed quickly under our care. She is scheduled to be release this Tuesday, July 12th, at Kiawah Island’s Beachwalker Park at 11:00 A.M.
Release Date
07/12/2011
Release Location
Beachwalker County Park, Kiawah, SC