Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Stranding Location: Marshland Road Boat Landing- Hilton Head Island, SC Arrival Date: August 20, 2016 Age: Juvenile Weight: 3.5 lbs
Case History
“Oyster” is a juvenile Kemp’s ridley that was caught on hook and line at Marshland Road Boat Landing by the Old Oyster Factory. Luckily, instead of cutting the line, the fisherman called the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources who tag-teamed with Amber Keuhn to transport the little turtle to the South Carolina Aquarium. Consulting veterinarian, Dr. Jose Biascoechea of Exotic Vet Care in Mt. Pleasant, was able to quickly and successfully remove the hook under sedation – no surgical procedure was needed! After a long recovery from sedation and a night in dry dock, Oyster was placed in a hospital tank the following day and closely monitored by our Sea Turtle Rescue Team. S/he is expected to make a speedy recovery!
Updates
August 30, 2016: Oyster has been doing really well. S/he is often found resting on a backscratcher, an enrichment tool, in h/her tank. Oyster is eating well and is currently on an antibiotic regimen to prevent any infection that may have been caused by the hook.September 13th, 2016: Oyster is eating really well and enjoys consuming small pieces of blue crab shell. S/he is almost done with the antibiotic series and should be ready for release in the next couple weeks!September 30, 2016: Oyster, much like Serp, is just in need of a little weight gain before being ready to return to the ocean!
Release Date
October 14, 2016
Release Location
Folly Beach County Park