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Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Stranding Location: Folly Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 6/2/23
Age: Juvenile
Weight: 3.67 kg (8.09 lbs)
Case History
Hootie was caught on hook and line at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. The angler was able to safely hoist them up the pier via hoop net, minimizing further injury to the hooked location in Hootie’s mouth. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources staff responded to retrieve Hootie and transport them to the Sea Turtle Care Center™ for treatment.
Treatment
Hootie came in active and feisty, which is always a good sign. Radiographs were taken promptly for initial determination of the hook placement within the esophagus as well as the potential presence of other hooks and treatment moving forward. Luckily, the hook was accessible from the mouth and not too deeply embedded in the esophagus for removal. Thankfully, no other hooks were found. Hootie was mildly sedated, and our vet staff worked quickly to remove the hook. After removal, Hootie was started on antibiotics to prevent infection, given fluids and vitamins and their sedation was reversed. Hootie came to quickly and was placed in a full tank of water.
The following day, Hootie was calmer and acclimating well to their tank. Hootie is in great body condition and was able to rest on the bottom of the tank and actively swim — all signs of a healthy sea turtle. After oral procedures like hook removal, patients are fasted from a few days to a week to allow the location to heal. Sea turtles and other reptiles have slower metabolisms for energy conservation and do not need to feed every day in the wild. Though Hootie is at a great body weight, we’re sure they will be looking forward to their fish offering later this week!
Update
June 15, 2023: Hootie is active and eating! Hootie was offered fish after four days of fasting, and they ate it well! We’ll continue to increase their daily diet of fish protein while keeping an eye on their feeding behavior to ensure they are comfortable and unhindered by oral pain. So far so good!
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