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
Comments:Madam hatched at CMA as part of a captive breeding program that CMA was involved in years ago. Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, like Madam, are the world's most endangered sea turtle. Currently, there are estimated to be only 1,000 nesting female Kemp's Ridleys worldwide. They nearly went extinct in the 1980's due to hunting and harvesting of their eggs in Mexico, their main nesting location. Fortunately, Mexico has since joined the U.S. in helping protect the turtles and placed a limit on the egg harvest. Captive breeding and the relocation of nests to Texas were a couple of methods used to ensure their survival during those critical years.
