Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 8/3/24
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 2.85 kg (6.28 lbs)

Case History

Like many of our patients this summer, Yogurt is a juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle who was accidentally hooked by a fisherman at the Cherry Grove Pier. Pier attendants and members of the local turtle team were able to instruct the people who caught Yogurt to not cut the line. Leaving the fishing line attached to the hook is helpful in locating the hook and can help ease the removal process. Our thanks to those who transported the turtle safely to the Aquarium!

Treatment

Upon arrival, Yogurt was bright, alert and responsive with strong vitals. We took radiographs to observe the positioning and size of the hook, and then evaluated bloodwork to determine if the patient was healthy enough to sedate for an oral hook removal procedure. Luckily, Yogurt’s bloodwork results looked good and the hook appeared small and in the upper esophagus, where it would be easy to access through the oral cavity. After being sedated, we were able to quickly and easily remove the hook from Yogurt’s esophagus.

Following the procedure, after making sure Yogurt was fully awake, the patient was active and was placed in a half full tank of water. Yogurt was easily taking breaths and appeared alert and calm, and so staff felt comfortable leaving her/him in the water overnight.

Updates

August 13, 2024: In the weeks following admit, Yogurt has been defecating frequently and even started eating a weighted diet. Yogurt has proven to be a picky eater, so the next step in the journey to recovery will be getting Yogurt to eat vitamins that we sneak in her/his fish!

September 15, 2024: Yogurt has improved leaps and bounds over the last month. By the end of August, this patient was eating fish and vitamins well, had finished the series of antibiotic injections and was moved to a new tank where guests can visit her/him! Yogurt was even tagged and had diagnostic tests evaluated for potential release in the near future. Fingers crossed!

September 25, 2024: Yogurt was released into the protected saltmarsh of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge! You rock, Yogurt!