Kemp's Ridley Rescue July 22

posted: July 23, 2024, 4:39 PM

Numerous calls came in from vacationers who reported seeing a turtle struggling in the surf. Thank you for calling! When the stranding team arrived, she was on the shore and the turtle was identified as a Kemp’s Ridley. These are the smallest sea turtle in the world and the most endangered sea turtle species. They usually do not lay nests on our beach, but are frequently seen swimming off our beaches.
Many of the vacationers and bystanders helped with an umbrella to shade the turtle and multiple children lined up with buckets of water to keep her hydrated. The Kemp’s Ridley had a large mass on its carapace and was transported to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital by the team to receive care. Team members were able to assist the hospital staff in removing the mass which was a large formation of tube worms. The mass weighted 6 lbs. and the Kemp’s Ridley weighed 18 pounds after cleaning, that’s 1/3 of her body weight! Tube worms can get so heavy that the turtle drowns.
The turtle hospital has a unique naming theme each year and this year it is the celestial bodies, stars of the galaxy. Our rescued Kemp’s Ridley is now known as Lilii Borea (a star in the northern constellation of Aries)
Lilii is 6 to 7 yrs. old and is doing well. Following recovery she will be released.
Happy life Lilii and many thanks to our terrific vacationers, dedicated Stranding Teams, and of course the Turtle Hospital!!

These photos show the turtle with the tube worms and after the mass was removed.
See our Facebook page for more photos.

Please remember if you see a sea turtle on the beach to call our 24/7/365 Stranding Team number 910-754-0766.

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