Patient story
Meet Elphie
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Patient Info
SPECIES
Kemp’s Ridley
aGE
5-10 Years
wEIGHT
7 lbs
DATE ARRIVED
12/9/2025
ISSUE
Cold Stunned
the story
About Elphie
Elphie is a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, the rarest sea turtle species in the world. Elphie was rescued after becoming cold-stunned when ocean temperatures dropped rapidly off Cape Cod, leaving Elphie weak and unable to swim.
Rescue
Elphie was rescued on the beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts due to cold stunning. Hundreds of turtles each winter are found washed up on those beaches due to freezing water temperatures. These turtles are numbered in order to keep track of them during the triage process – #463. Elphie was flown down to our hospital for care.
Diagnose
Upon arrival, Elphie was examined for external issues due to extreme cold, as well as internal issues. Elphie’s radiographs showed congested lungs, a common finding with these cold stunned turtles.
Care
Elphie was closely monitored for changes in lung condition and for any secondary ailments after her cold stunning.
Fun Fact
Elphie was named after our Clinical Director’s favorite Broadway show and movie, Wicked! It was wicked cold in New England when Elphie was rescued, making the name especially fitting.
Released!
January 27, 2026
Elphie made a full recovery and was released back into the Atlantic Ocean on January 27, 2026!