Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 4/18/25
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 7.37 kg (16.25 lbs)

Case History

Cactus was admitted to the Aquarium after being hooked by a fisherman at Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. This fish hook was removed by the fisherman before responders could arrive. Fishing hooks are especially dangerous to sea turtles because of their esophageal papillae, which are fingerlike projections that help them to swallow and keep down food items. This means plastics and fish hooks easily get stuck in their throats. We try to remove these hooks as delicately as possible, utilizing pain management medications or even mild sedation if needed.

If you catch a turtle while fishing, please leave the hook in place and leave at least two feet of fishing line attached. Call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) stranding hotline to receive further instructions until their permitted staff or volunteers arrive. Our thanks to the state park rangers and the SCDNR staff and volunteers that were involved in the response and transport of this turtle to the Aquarium.

Treatment

Upon admit, we found that the hook had been deeply embedded in the right side of the mouth through the right cheek, resulting in a sizeable blood clot in this area. In addition, Cactus had abrasions below the nares (nostrils), down the center of the carapace (back shell) and on the right front flipper. After our physical exam, we took a blood sample and administered antibiotics, pain medication, vitamins and fluids. Cactus was alert and active so we placed her/him in a full tank of water.

Updates

April 20, 2025: Cactus has spent the past couple of days healing and receiving pain medications, so today we offered food for the first time. Luckily, Cactus did not show signs of discomfort and immediately began to eat! We will continue to increase Cactus’ diet gradually and monitor the wounds to ensure they are healing properly.