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Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Stranding Location: Cherry Grove Pier, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 5/6/2020
Age: Juvenile
Weight: 11 kg (24lb)
Case History
Elliot was hooked by a fisherman off Cherry Grove Pier in the evening on Wednesday May, 6th. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) stranding volunteers responded to the call and were unable to successfully remove the circle hook from Elliot’s tongue. SCDNR permit holder, Linda Mataya then transported Elliot to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center for further treatment and care.
Treatment
Upon arrival staff noticed that Elliot was in good body condition overall and it seemed the hook was the major issue. We took vitals, drew blood to begin processing, and then lightly sedated Elliot to remove the hook. It was easy to access, being close to the front edge of the tongue but was significantly bent up. This made it a bit difficult to remove. After a few minutes of trying the hook popped out! Elliot was given fluids, antibiotics, injectable vitamins, and left to sleep of the sedation medications overnight.
Update
May 11th, 2020: Elliot was placed in a tank the following morning. He spent most of the day agitated – swimming against the sides of the tank, splashing, and floating periodically. This is not uncommon as it does take patients a few days to fully acclimate to their new surroundings. Since then, he has calmed down but has yet to show interest in food. This is also not uncommon nor is it of too much concern until it has been a week or two. The turtles do not always realize the weird looking fish we keep dropping in their tanks is meant to be food! Once they figure out how yummy it is though, then we are smooth sailing. Elliot should begin to turn that corner in the next week or so.
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