Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Stranding Location: Folly Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 4/18/26
Age: Sub-adult
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 13.75 kg (30.25 lbs)
Case History
This sub-adult Kemp’s ridley was accidentally hooked through the right front flipper by a fisherman at the Folly Beach Pier. In addition to the fishhook, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) noted wounds on the left front flipper before transporting this patient to the Aquarium for treatment.
Treatment
Sriracha arrived with a feisty demeanor, hence the name! This sub-adult Kemp’s received radiographs to make sure that there were no extra fishhooks that had been swallowed. Thankfully, there were not! After taking bloodwork and vitals, we proceeded with removing the fishhook in the right front flipper — which proved to be quite simple! Following that, we began treating the left front flipper wounds. These injuries appeared to be old and had begun to heal but seemed to have reopened when s/he was caught by the fisherman. While thoroughly cleaning the wounds, we discovered that there was bone exposure of some of the distal phalanges. We administered antibiotics, pain medication, vitamins and fluids before placing Sriracha in a tank to rest. We plan to monitor the wounds on the left front flipper closely and may schedule a partial amputation procedure in the future. Come see Sriracha in Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™!
Updates
May 15, 2026: The exposure of the distal phalanges could have led to an infection, so after a couple days of settling into our care we elected to perform a partial amputation. Sea turtles are extremely resilient animals and can be released into the wild with as few as two flippers (if they are on opposite sides of the body)! A partial amputation to the left front flipper would not at all hinder Sriracha’s ability to be released and would ensure Sriracha does not get sick in the future from this wound! The amputation was successful and Sriracha has been recovering very well. Sriracha can be a bit of a picky eater, but we have found that s/he will eat shrimp! Later this month we examine the surgical site and remove the sutures if Sriracha is healing as we hope and expect.