Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 4/22/2025
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 5.65 kg (12.43 lbs.)

Case History

Zinnia was accidentally hooked by a fisherman at the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. Once notified, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) was able to coordinate the transport of Zinnia with the help of a permitted volunteer to the Aquarium.

Treatment

Upon arrival Zinnia was bright and alert. During transport to the Aquarium the fish hook had been dislodged and came right out! We captured a radiograph upon admit to check for other fish hooks, just in case! We completed a physical exam and found some superficial bruising on her/his plastron (belly shell) and no more fish hooks. Overall, Zinnia was a healthy turtle. In addition to the physical exam, we drew blood and administered an antibiotic, vitamins and fluids. Zinnia was alert and healthy so we placed her/him in a full tank of water!

Updates

April 27, 2025: Zinnia is still bright, alert and feisty! S/he remains in a full tank of water and is navigating the tank easily. After a few days of offering various food items to figure out what Zinnia preferred to eat, s/he began eating shrimp. We will continue to increase Zinnia’s diet and administer antibiotics while Zinnia heals.

May 15, 2025: After a couple weeks of Zinnia being a picky eater and only eating shrimp, Zinnia has finally decided variety is the spice of life! Zinnia has begun eating other food items like mackerel and salmon. In even more exciting news, Zinnia has been tagged! Once s/he gains a bit more weight and has been given the medical “all clear”, we will be able to release Zinnia.

May 28, 2025: Zinnia was released into the saltmarsh alongside Dandelion and Cactus!