MADAM

Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle

Species: Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)

Age: Adult

Sex: Female

Weight: ~ 85 lbs.

Diet: Squid and Caplin

Arrival Date:08/06/1988

Story: Graduate of a captive breeding program once undertaken by CMA to preserve the species.

Personality: Cheerful

Loves: Swimming, swimming, swimming

Known For: Being the only resident turtle to be born at the aquarium

Did you know? Captive breeding and nest relocation programs helped save the Kemp's Ridley from extinction.

Madam's Tale:

Madam is one of the most social turtles we have here at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, likely because she has spent her entire life as one of our residents! In the late 1980's the aquarium was involved in a captive breeding program. On August 6, 1988, Madam hatched here at the aquarium. Because Madam has spent her whole life in our care, she is not able to be released into the wild, because she would not have the life skills necessary to survive. Madam loves receiving backrubs during her feeding sessions, and loves when our interns and volunteers surprise her with some ice toys! Madam currently resides outside at "Sawyer's Passage", in a large pool that she shares with Max, Molly, and Stumpy.