Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 6/9/2020
Age: Juvenile
Weight: 2.8 kg (9 lb)
Case History
Swamp Fox was caught on hook-and-line in Cherry Grove Pier. When the fisherman brought this little kemp’s up, he noticed that it was thin, a little beat up and had an old boat-strike wound to the carapace (top shell). South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) permit holder, Linda Mataya, was contacted and then transported Rainbow to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center for further treatment and care.
Treatment
At admit, Swamp Fox looked thin and lethargic but was taking good breaths. After a weight was taken, a quick radiograph showed that the hook was in the back of the throat and could likely be removed without surgery. Swamp Fox’s blood was pulled, and he was given sedation drugs after his bloodwork was evaluated. After just a few minutes, Dr. Shane was able to access the hook and remove it, doing minimal damage to the tissue. We started him on fluid, vitamins and antibiotics to help combat any infection the hook might have caused. Then he was left to rest comfortably in a foam bin to recover. After a few hours, Swmap Fox was alert and responsive and was ready to rest in shallow water. He immediately started swimming and looked great in his tank!
Updates
June 15, 2020: Swamp Fox has started eating, and we are slowly increasing his water depth. He is very active; as we increase his diet, he will gain weight. Swamp Fox will be pulled from his tank twice weekly to receive antibiotic injections.
July 15, 2020: Swamp Fox just finished up his antibiotics, received a bloodpull and an exam last week to see how he’s doing. Other than needing to gain a little weight, he looks great! We are still waiting on his bloodwork results to come in, so he’s got more time to put on a few extra pounds!
August 15, 2020: Swamp Fox was released on August 5 at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge!