Parker | South Carolina Aquarium

Parker

Jun 10

Parker

Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach Pier, SC

Arrival Date: 06/10/2013

Age: juvenile

Weight: 2.16 kg (~5 lb.)

Case History

Parker, a tiny, emaciated 5 lb. Kemp’s ridley was caught by a recreational fisherman on hook-and-line at the Myrtle Beach Pier. Parker was transported to the hospital by SCDNR stranding and STH volunteer, Barb Gobien!

Treatment

At admittance, Parker was emaciated, dehydrated (sunken eyes), and had horrible blood work (TS 0.2, PCV 12%). Due to the location of the hook, our vet Dr. Boylan was able to remove the hook non-surgically! We administered 5% dextrose, Hetastarch, (due to very low total solids), and injectable antibiotics and vitamins.

Updates

24 July 2013: This skinny little ridley is finally beginning to gain weight. He’s eating 5% of his body weight in healthy fish daily, which means he’s getting more food than some turtles that are twice his size. He is currently sharing a tank with Dennis and Sutton, and remains active and adorable. He should be ready for release as soon as we can fatten him up!

Release Date

Release Location

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