Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Arrival Date: November 27th, 2016

Stranding Location: Dennis, Massachusetts

Weight: 1.75 pounds

Lifestage: Juvenile

Case History

Kenobi stranded on 11/19/2016 and was taken to Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary before being transported to New England Aquarium. Kenobi was very lethargic on arrival, with a low heart rate, respiration rate and a significant amount of sand packed into his/her nares (nose). Kenobi received radiographs which showed the beginning stages of pneumonia. Him/her supportive care included fluids, vitamins and antibiotics. Kenobi was one the 12 sea turtles later transported to the South Carolina Aquarium for further treatment.

Treatment

On arrival, Kenobi’s temperature had dropped to 60°F during transport, h/she was very lethargic, had a low heart rate, and quickly became a critical patient. Kenobi had to be intubated so that proper amounts of oxygen could be administered. Kenobi also received fluids, vitamins and was closely monitored by our sea turtle care team for several hours. Luckily, Kenobi pulled through and is now our smallest sea turtle patient to be admitted to our hospital!

Updates

December 12, 2016: Kenobi continues to thrive and improve! Kenobi is receiving a very small diet of fish and shares a tank with R2-D2! There is a laceration on the right front flipper that our team examines when h/she is pulled for an injections. Kenobi’s small size has quickly made him/her a guest favorite!January 6, 2017: Kenobi appears to be adjusting well to life in South Carolina, as s/he has been resting more on the bottom of the tank! Hospital staff is still closely monitoring Kenobi’s weight and overall health.February 7, 2017: Kenobi received an item of enrichment called a cave. This is a dark, quiet box that he/she can rest in. Kenobi loves it! H/she is often observed sleeping in or next to it. Clinically, Kenobi is doing well overall. He/she is steadily gaining weight and staff is continuing to monitor him/her closely.March 1, 2017: Kenobi has gained 3 lbs since admit! He’s been doing so well that he was also pulled for pre-lease tagging and bloodwork – Kenobi might be going back to the big blue in the next few weeks!

Release Date

March 14, 2017

Release Location

Surfside County Park in St. Augustine, Florida