Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach Pier, SC
Arrival Date: 06/10/2013
Age: juvenile
Weight: 2.16 kg (~5 lb.)
Case History
Parker, a tiny, emaciated 5 lb. Kemp’s ridley was caught by a recreational fisherman on hook-and-line at the Myrtle Beach Pier. Parker was transported to the hospital by SCDNR stranding and STH volunteer, Barb Gobien!
Treatment
At admittance, Parker was emaciated, dehydrated (sunken eyes), and had horrible blood work (TS 0.2, PCV 12%). Due to the location of the hook, our vet Dr. Boylan was able to remove the hook non-surgically! We administered 5% dextrose, Hetastarch, (due to very low total solids), and injectable antibiotics and vitamins.
Updates
24 July 2013: This skinny little ridley is finally beginning to gain weight. He’s eating 5% of his body weight in healthy fish daily, which means he’s getting more food than some turtles that are twice his size. He is currently sharing a tank with Dennis and Sutton, and remains active and adorable. He should be ready for release as soon as we can fatten him up!