Kemp's ridleys
- Patients’ Status
- Current
- Transfer Date
- December 22, 2025
- Location
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Reason for Rescue
- Cold-stunned
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 1.76 kg – 3.26 kg
- Exam Findings
- Active with thin body conditions. Skin lesions present on several.
- Treatment
- Antibiotics and fluids
Their Story
On December 22nd, Clearwater Marine Aquarium received 6 juvenile Kemp’s ridleys transfers from New England Aquarium. These turtles were part of a recent mass cold-stun event in Cape Cod Massachusetts. These facilities treat hundreds of sea turtles every year due to cold-stunning. When their facilities reach max capacity, they transfer out their patients to other sea turtle hospitals to make room for new intakes. Sea turtles can experience cold-stunning when water temperatures drop below 50 degrees F. This can lead to decrease circulation, lethargy, hypothermia, and pneumonia. They will finish out the remainder of their rehab at CMA.
Naming theme: Coffee
Treatment Updates
- 12.23.25
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All 6 kemp’s had recheck radiographs performed to check for signs of pneumonia. They are doing well in water!
- 12.27.25
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All 6 kemp’s are on antibiotics and antifungals based on radiographs and labwork. They are eating well.
- 1.9.26
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All 6 kemp’s are continuing to gain weight and are eating well.
- 2.25.26
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Espresso and Mocha have been off medications for the last 2 weeks. Their pneumonia has also been resolved. They have received their clean bill of health. Several went for recheck CTs as well. Cappuccino, Latte, and Frappe are off medications based on recheck CTs. Dolce is staying on medications.
All marine turtle footage taken in Florida was obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-19-172.