LK-WPT-12-11-23-01 Kemp’s Ridley 32 lb.
Found by a commercial fishermen who was tending to his pound nets 0.5 miles east of Scotch Bonnet Marina, Frisco, Dylan was initially suspected of foraging. After taking a harder look, the fisherman decided the Kemp’s was cold stunned. He first contacted Lou Browning* about the stranding. Will Thompson of N.P.S. (Biological Science Tech with National Park Service) coordinated with Lou’s sister, Liz Browning Fox, and met up with the commercial fishermen, who appreciated that someone from N.P.S. personally picked up the lethargic turtle. Will transported the Kemp’s to Roanoke Island Animal Clinic (RIAC) for exmination.
Dylan was then transported to N.E.S.T. Rehab 11/23/12 where he is sharing a tank with Alex, the 21.8 lb. Kemp’s ridley…definitely, with a divider. On Sunday, 11/25/12, Dylan ate for the first time and his max plus. Shrimp is his current food of choice. Again today, 11/26/12, he totally enjoyed his feast of shrimp. We rarely experience such vigorous eating from Kemp’s ridleys in Rehab, so watching this kid eat is a joy!
Our great thanks to the charter fisherman (fishermen) and all those involved in being a part of helping the survival of this most endangered species of sea turtles! The heart-shaped carapace touches many hearts of those who care for them. And, yes, I’m a sap, a sap for those who need help.
*Lou Browning is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and founder of Hatteras Island Wildlife Rehab, www.hiwr.us