Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 11/2/24
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 3.07 kg (6.77 lbs)

Case History

Griddle is a juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hooked by a fisherman on the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC. The angler reported the hooked sea turtle and a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources volunteer responded to transport the patient to the South Carolina Aquarium to safely remove the fish hook and provide medical care.

Treatment

Upon arrival, Griddle was very active, alert and appeared to be in good shape overall. The angler was able to leave some fishing line and taped it to the carapace (upper shell) to help us locate the hook. We started triage with a radiograph to visualize the hook’s location in the esophagus and determine the best method for removal. Luckily, this fish hook wasn’t too large and was shallow enough to be seen by opening the mouth. Next, we took a small blood sample to evaluate the patient’s stress level, which would help us determine if a hook removal procedure would be safe. Though Griddle’s bloodwork indicated a small amount of stress and dehydration, the overall results were within safe ranges for us to move forward with an oral hook removal.

Griddle responded to sedation well and calmed down quickly. Once s/he was comfortable, we swiftly removed the fish hook. We were able to cut it into two pieces to remove from the esophagus without damaging any tissue. Besides the small puncture wound in the esophagus from the hook, no other oral wounds were detected. Griddle was given sedation reversal medication for a smooth recovery and woke up quickly. Griddle was also given fluids for hydration and antibiotics to fight potential infection.

Once Griddle was awake and fully alert, s/he was tested in a half-full tank of water. This little Kemp’s ridley was quite reactive when first introduced to the water but soon calmed down and explored her/his new surroundings. We’re hopeful this feisty turtle will be healed up and ready for release in no time.

Updates

November 3, 2024: Griddle has taken to her/his new environment well, spending the first day alternating between calmly swimming and resting on the bottom. This little one can hold her/his breath for long periods at a time and took multiple small cat naps to recover from an exhausting day before. We gave Griddle the first day off from food to give her/his throat time to heal but will offer fish tomorrow! We suspect Griddle will have a healthy appetite!

November 15, 2024: Griddle has been doing well since admit. S/he is eating great, defecating normally and even got moved to a tank on the first floor of the Aquarium! Stop by some time to check out little Griddle!