Tiny Kemp’s Ridley Strands in East Sandwich
This evening the fourth Kemp’s ridley sea turtle was found cold stunned in East Sandwich. The small 1.2 kilogram juvenile was wedged in rocks, apparently driven ashore by a stormy northeasterly breeze. Water temperatures in the area were recorded around 50°F. Her tiny size more closely matches expectations for early sea turtle strandings.
Algae Cleared from Carapace with Flexible Card
After routine processing at the Sanctuary, algae encrustation was gently carded off her carapace.
Magnetometer and Digital PIT Tag Check
We checked her flippers for identifying wires and also checked her for PIT tags. Neither was found.
Preliminary Examination at Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary
A careful examination showed scrapes on her carapace and some minor bleeding on her left marginals from the beating she took when tossed ashore on the rocks. An unusual discoloration on the front of her right flipper was also noted. All in all, though, she seemed quite lively and much more comfortable resting on soft towels in Wellfleet Bay’s recovery room.