Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Edisto Island, SC
Arrival Date: 6/6/25
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 3.83 kg (8.44 lbs)

Case History

This juvenile Kemp’s ridley was hooked by a fisherman from a private dock on Edisto Island. We are grateful for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and permitted volunteers for transporting this turtle to the Aquarium!

Treatment

Hibiscus arrived extremely alert and feisty with some mild bruising to the plastron, but was in good overall body condition. We began by taking a radiograph to locate the hook, which was in the upper esophagus. We checked Hibiscus’ bloodwork before attempting to remove the hook through the mouth. With some mild sedation administered, we began the hook removal procedure. In order to safely remove this hook, we needed to cut the hook in half, which was easy to do because this fisherman left the line attached! Using the fishing line, we were able to track it straight to the fishhook to cut and remove it safely and swiftly. Once the hook was out, all necessary medications were administered and Hibiscus was placed in a shallow tank of water.

Updates

June 17, 2025: Hibiscus has made great improvements in the last couple of weeks! S/he has started eating a weighted diet, is now swimming in a full tank of water and has even been moved into a tank on the first floor of the Aquarium!

July 15, 2025: Hibiscus recently celebrated an important milestone in rehabilitation: finishing antibiotics! As we focus on Hibiscus’ weight gain in the coming weeks, we plan on tagging her/him soon so we can begin evaluating for release.

July 30, 2025: Hibiscus was released into the protected saltmarsh alongside Bluebonnet, Iris, Orchid and Tulip! Good luck out in the big blue!