Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Sutton Point, Barnstable, MA

Arrival Date: 01/14/2013

Age: juvenile

Weight: 3.38 kg (~7.5 lb.)

Case History

Sutton is one of five sea turtles transferred to the South Carolina Aquarium’s (SCA) Sea Turtle Hospital on January 14th, 2012, from the New England Aquarium (NEAq). All five turtles originally cold-stunned around Cape Cod, MA, in November and December 2012, and were initially treated by NEAq’s Marine Animal Rescue Team. This is the largest cold stunning event to occur along the New England coast. Thanks Michael Taylor, these five turtles received complimentary first-class airfare to our facility to finish their rehabilitation. This transfer not only aids NEAq by freeing up limited resources, but also will allow these five sea turtles to be released back into the wild at an earlier date.

Treatment

Sutton’s nose lesion was fairly severe upon arrival but, thanks to antibiotics and treatment in our hospital, it is beginning to heal.

Updates

23 July 2013: After seven months in our care, Sutton is completely healthy and finally ready for release. Stay tuned for release details!

Release Date

07/31/2013

Release Location

Isle of Palms County Park, SC