Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Cape Cod, MA

Arrival Date: 01/15/2012

Age: juvenile

Weight: 3.9 kg (~9 lb)

Case History

Innis is one of seven sea turtles transferred to the SCA’s Sea Turtle Hospital on January 15th, 2012, from the New England Aquarium (NEAq). All seven turtles originally cold-stunned around Cape Cod, MA, in November and December 2011, and were initially treated by NEAq’s Marine Animal Rescue Team. Thanks to the owner of North American Jets, Mason Holland, and the pilot of the fuel-efficient Eclipse 500 jet, Andy Smith, these 7 turtles received complimentary first-class airfare to our facility to finish their rehabilitation. This transfer not only aids NEAq by freeing up limited resources, but also will allow these seven sea turtles to be released back into the wild at an earlier date.

Treatment

Innis is named for Dr. Charlie Innis of NEAq, a turtle expert and veterinarian who originally treated all seven transferred patients. This 2.82 kg ridley received treatment from Dr. Innis and his team after stranding on December 9th, 2011, in Massachusetts. Upon arrival to our hospital, the physical exam performed by our vet didn’t reveal any major issues and Innis is now off all medications. However, we are treating and monitoring a minor nail bed infection on Innis’ right rear flipper. This turtle should be strong and feisty for release this spring!

Updates

15 March 2012: Innis is happy and healthy and has not developed any of the secondary health issues we sometimes see in cold-stunned and/or captive ridleys. like osteomyelitis. Healthy and vibrant, this little turtle should be ready for a spring release.

17 April 2012: SCDNR helped tag all of our cold-stunned ridleys except Merigo today, so Innis now sports shiny flipper tags on each front flipper in preparation for his release. Stay tuned for details!

Release Date

04/29/2012

Release Location

Isle of Palms County Park, SC