Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 7/7/24
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 2.16 kg (4.76 lbs)

Case History

Butter was accidentally hooked by a fisherman on the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier. Many thanks to the rescuers and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources permitted volunteers who transported this patient to the Aquarium!

Treatment

Butter was active during transport and arrived with the remnants of the rig attached to the hook. The fishing line was attached to the shell to restrict the hook from traveling further into the mouth. We took radiographs and confirmed that there was a large J-hook in the esophagus. We drew blood to determine if Butter was stable enough for hook removal. Luckily, Butter had decent bloodwork! Upon physical examination, we found that s/he was missing a portion of the left front and rear flippers, potentially due to a predator attack, but they were fully healed. Butter also had a couple of predator rake (tooth) marks on her/his plastron (bottom shell), which were partially healed. Overall, Butter was in good shape and we decided to move forward with the hook removal. Butter was sedated for her/his safety and for ours during the procedure. We were able to remove the hook quickly and easily for Butter! Butter was woken up soon after the removal, received antibiotics and fluids and was approved to be tested in shallow water.

Butter was tested in a half-full tank of water and did great! S/he was swimming with full range of movement, was very active and took great breaths. This little Kemp’s ridley should have a buttery smooth recovery here at the Aquarium!

Updates

July 10, 2024: Over the last couple of days, Butter has been settling in very well. S/he had quick interest in eating, has been defecating daily and has been approved for enrichment and tank water depth increases! Butter is making a quick “churn” around for sure!

August 15, 2024: Butter is smooth sailing through her/his recovery with us. This little Kemp’s ridley eats up a morning diet eagerly, interacts well with the divided tank mates, and is doing well all around. Come visit this little patient in the “Kemp’s Condo,” included in admission!

August 20, 2024: Butter was quietly released alongside five other Kemp’s ridley sea turtles at Folly Beach County Park! We are ecstatic to see that Butter was healthy enough to return home. Wish her/him the best of luck out in the big blue!