Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Garden City Pier, Murrells Inlet, SC
Arrival Date: 5/25/2020
Age: Juvenile
Weight: 3.57 kg (7.8 lb)

Case History

It’s déjà vu! Coleman was hooked later on the same day  and on the same pier as Jasper. Since it was so late at night, and Coleman was otherwise healthy and not in critical condition, his rescuer kept him overnight before transporting him to the aquarium in the morning on the 25^th. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources permit holder/transporter Terry Graham woke up early, packed Coleman up, and headed back down to the Care Center for the second time in 24 hours! Shout-out to the dedication of all SCDNR turtle transporters!

Treatment

Coleman was in healthy body condition and had no major wounds or injuries except for the hook in his throat. We sedated him lightly to make it easier (and safer) to go in through his mouth and remove the circle hook from his esophagus. He received fluids, vitamins, and antibiotics before sleeping off the sedation for a few hours. In the afternoon, staff put him in a tank and he began swimming right away! He looked very bright, alert, and responsive to his new surroundings. We have high hopes that all will be well for Coleman in the coming weeks.

Updates

June 1, 2020: Coleman has quickly settled into the rehab life. After a few days of being in his tank, he began eating and is now being ramped up to a maintenance diet! He is still getting antibiotic injections regularly, but that is just a precaution to ward off any infections he could’ve gotten from the hook injury. 

July 15, 2020: Coleman’s rehab has been smooth sailing. We are going to pull him from his tank soon to draw blood and see how he has improved internally. Hopefully he can be on the fast track to release if all comes back good! 

August 15, 2020: Coleman was released on August 5 at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge!