Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 4/15/26
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 3.23 kg (7.12 lbs)

Case History

This juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle was accidentally hooked by a fisherman at Myrtle Beach State Park. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) volunteers were able to respond and assess the sea turtle before transporting her/him to the Aquarium for treatment.

Treatment

When Horseradish arrived, s/he was bright, alert and reactive. A quick physical exam revealed the patient was thin and had prominent bruising on the plastron, small scrapes on the back portion of the carapace and a healed, crescent-shaped wound on the left side of the carapace. We also noted a significant amount of fishing line protruding from the mouth. In order to identify where the hook was located, we took a few radiographs of Horseradish. The radiographs revealed that the hook was in the mouth and removal was successful under light sedation! While Horseradish recovered from sedation, we provided some additional medications based on the results of her/his blood work. This included fluids, vitamins and antibiotics. Once recovered, Horseradish had to prove that s/he was strong swimmer in order to stay in the tank overnight. Thankfully, Horseradish passed the test!

Updates

May 15, 2026: Horseradish is now finished with all medications and has started eating very well! S/he is still very thin, so we are steadily increasing the diet to help with weight gain! In the meantime, Horseradish has found a preferred spot to rest: under the backscratcher in the corner of the tank!