Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Apache Pier, a fishing pier in Myrtle Beach

Arrival Date: June 23, 2016

Age: Juvenile

Weight: 4.8 lbs

Case History

This young Kemp’s ridley was caught by recreational fishermen on Apache Pier in Myrtle Beach just days after Apache, another Kemp’s ridley and one of our patients, was caught. Just like Apache, medical attention was required to safely remove a hook from this turtle’s esophagus. Thankfully, management at Apache Pier is continuing to keep fisherman well-educated on what to do if a sea turtle finds its way on their line. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was contacted and this little guy made his way to our Sea Turtle Hospital!

Treatment

Once admitted, we performed an x-ray in order to visualize the hook in “Flouder’s” throat. Flounder and Apache’s cases were nearly identical, as both turtles needed surgery to remove the hook from the esophagus. Thankfully, the procedure went well! We were pleased to find that, much like Apache, Flounder was in good health – excluding those pesky hooks, of course. Only a round of antibiotics and a healthy diet is necessary for the animals to heal so their stay in our Sea Turtle Hospital should be short!

Release Date

June 22, 2016

Release Location

Folly Beach County Park