Meet Joey. Joey is a juvenile Green sea turtle, and he is everybody’s favorite. Joey has grown up here at the hospital. He came to the Turtle Hospital as a hatchling on September 13th, 2005 from Key West and has been here ever since. He was found in the bottom of his nest, after all his siblings climbed out, crawling in circles. He has not shown much change in his condition in the past 2 years, as he still swims in left-hand circles. He also flips upside-down when he is spooked or gets excited. However, he is just big enough for us to start working with him. We do not believe it is a neurological condition; it is more likely an injury, bacterial infection, or congenital condition. We are considering physical and enzyme therapy.

If, in the next few years, Joey proves he is able to swim straight enough to obtain food and avoid predators we will release him back out into the wild. If not, he will serve as an ambassador of his species here or at another world-class aquarium. We will keep our eyes open and hearts in anticipation of any sign of improvement, but for now Joey seems quite content living the easy life here at the Turtle Hospital.

UPDATE: Joey seems to be gaining better control of his locomotion. He is able to swim to his food and even flips over less often. Things are looking up for Joey, but in the meantime, keep checking the website to watch him grow and track his progress!