Jesus

Arrival Date: May 19, 2024

Patient Profile

Name: Jesus

Species: Green Sea Turtle

Weight: 15 pounds

Reason for visit: Lethargic and Fibropapillomatosis (FP)

Location Found: Key West, FL

Status Report

05/19/24: Jesus was spotted by a local boater near Key West island. Lethargic and floating at the surface of the water, Jesus was heavily covered in Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors through his body. The Turtle Hospital Rescue Team was quick to respond and transport Jesus to our facility. Dr. Norton, our resident veterinarian, examined Jesus and with the help of the rehab team performed initial diagnostics and a care plan to help Jesus get better. Jesus will be set up in his own hospital tank to rest and recover from his rescue day, rehab staff will ensure he receives a well balanced diet and lots of support to help Jesus feel more comfortable. Stay tuned for further updates on Jesus’s journey here at The Turtle Hospital.

05/29/24: Jesus is doing well since his arrival at The Turtle Hospital. Rehab Staff have been providing daily supportive care of medications to keep comfortable and prevent secondary infections. A tasty diet of items such as squid, mackerel, and vitamin rich supplements to ensure Jesus continues to stay strong and put on weight. Keep up the hard work Jesus!

06/21/24:  While Jesus is still undergoing surgery for the removal of his many Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. Rehab team state Jesus is a strong eater, gobbling up all his favorite foods and taking his medications very well. This month he has been treated daily for wound care to his previous surgical sites to help them heal. Due to his heavy tumor load, Jesus’s tank is placed a bit farther away to help prevent him from being stressed during his stay. Make sure to send well wishes to Jesus.

8/20/24: Over the past few months Jesus has been a fighter in his battle to beat Fibropapillomatotsis (FP). Our team will continue to be in his corner for as long as he keeps fighting to become tumor free. Rehab team have made sure to support him from medical care to a healthy diet to ensure Jesus has all he needs. At this time Jesus will continue to stay at a distance from the public to keep stress down for him. Rehab team have noticed he has been very lively lately, swimming better and always eats all his veggies. We are rooting for you Jesus.

09/15/24: Another busy surgical week for Jesus, Dr. Norton removed a few more masses that had grown on his rear flippers. Jesus also received a scope for some additional testing and Dr. Norton discovered Jesus is a boy. He will spend the coming days resting and recovering from this round of procedures. Jesus has been very active in his tank and is a very strong swimmer. Rehab team reports Jesus loves his veggies and has a strong appetite which is just what he needs to continue to heal. 

09/28/24: This week was very different for our current patients and resident sea turtles. As Hurricane Helene made its way through the gulf, The Turtle hospital prepared for the worst by relocating our turtles to the hospital tanks on land and larger hurricane tanks on land. These tanks are built to withstand a CAT 5 hurricane. All sea turtles within the tidal pool were evacuated out as the storm surge could pose a serious danger to our turtles. Jesus, who is currently already in his own hospital tank, was made ready for the storm by his rehab team. The Turtle Hospital was luckily only hit with heavy winds and rain, and back open to the public with minor damage from the strong winds. To see more on how we prepared our sea turtles for the storm check out our Instagram for videos. 

10/31/24: As things return to normal here at the hospital, Jesus is ready for another round of surgery to get rid of these pesky Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. As Dr. Norton works to help remove these masses, the rehab team is always close by monitoring him throughout the surgery. Jesus will spend his recovery with his current tank buddy Addie, a juvenile green sea turtle who is also under treatment for FP. They have both been providing each other with comfort and support as just like us, sometimes you need some company as you heal. 

11/10/24: With more surgeries on the schedule for Jesus, our little guy has been a rock star through it. Continuing to stay active and eating all his meals to stay strong. We hope these coming surgeries will be his last, and can move him into the category of observation status. We are cheering for you Jesus, and our team will be here with him every step of the way. Addie has been very much enjoying his company, as she has also improved in her activity with him present. 

12/01/24: We are so excited to announce that Jesus is tumor free!! We are ecstatic that he has made it this far and will be now relocated to the Hurricane Tanks for his observation status. As we use the next weeks to monitor for possible regrowth – there is a 35% chance these can return – Jesus will study for his swim test. Practicing his swimming in a larger space, and continuing to get strong for his possible future release. Great job Jesus, we know this journey has not been an easy one. Make sure to say hello to Jesus during your next visit, he is located in the hurricane tanks alongside fellow patients Wednesday and Wow and resident sea turtles Corrie, Coastie, Chance, and the fabulous Ms. Bender. 

The Swim test is completed of three things for them to return to the wild, they must have: 1 good eye, 3 strong flippers, and be a fast swimmer to out run their main predator- Sharks.

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