Endangered sea turtles fight for survival with cutting-edge care and long-term treatment
Two endangered sea turtles, Alfonzo and Sawyer, are undergoing long-term treatment after being rescued with serious injuries. Their care involves advanced medical imaging and a partnership between Mississippi State University (MSU) and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. Both turtles face extended recovery periods due to the severity of their conditions.
Alfonzo, a Green sea turtle, was found with a fishing hook lodged in its flipper and additional hooks in its digestive system. To pinpoint the exact locations, MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine used advanced CT imaging, which helped guide the ongoing treatment plan.
Sawyer, a Kemp's ridley sea turtle, suffered from a missing front flipper, lung disease, and pulmonary bullae caused by a bacterial infection and parasites. The complexity of these conditions means both turtles will need prolonged medical attention, with their progress monitored closely by specialists.
While no fixed recovery timeline exists for such cases, global examples—like Israel's National Sea Turtle Rescue Center—show that around two-thirds of treated turtles are eventually released. However, Alfonzo and Sawyer's rehabilitation will depend entirely on their individual responses to treatment.
The partnership between MSU and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies continues to provide critical care for these endangered turtles. Their recovery will rely on ongoing assessments and specialised interventions. The outcome remains uncertain, but the teams remain committed to their long-term treatment.
