6/5 This turtle was found floating in the surf near Jekyll Island, Georgia. It was pushed back offshore, but restranded. There were no facilities in the area with space for such a large turtle, so he was transported by Georgia DNR to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. He is able to swim, but lists to one side, probably indicating the presence of pneumonia. Blood has been taken and the turtle has been started on antibiotics. 6/9 The turtle continues to be active but is showing no interest in food. Have been giving fluids orally and the pneumonia seems to be improving, but there is a pronounced head tilt that may indicate neurological problems. Currently trying to find the cause of the head tilt. 6/15 Head tilt appears to be neurological, probably caused by spirorchid parasites in the vasculature of the brain and meninges. Have started treatment for the parasites, but whether the brain damage will reverse remains to be seen. Turtle is being tube-fed twice daily and its white count is going down. 6/21 Head tilt seems to be slightly reduced. Turtle is still not eating, but is gaining weight while being tube-fed. 6/24 Very little change. 7/2 The turtle took its first solid food this morning. We are very encouraged by this development. Head tilt also seems slightly reduced. 7/9 Turtle is now taking large amounts of solid food twice daily and the head tilt continues to improve. 7/12 Turtle is continuing to improve. 7/21 Head tilt is even better and appetite is good. Turtle is gaining weight. His white count was up today so we have started a different antibiotic. 7/25 Appetite is improving, no more circling, and head tilt is only about 25% of what it was on admission. 8/1 Still improving and white count is back to normal. 8/14 Head tilt is almost completely gone and appetite is excellent. Turtle is gaining weight and will probably be taken off all antibiotics next week. 8/22 Turtle is now off all antibiotics and continues to do well. 9/4 Turtle has been approved for release and plans are underway for a release next week in Georgia. 9/9 Turtle will be leaving for Georgia on 9/12 and will be released on 9/13. For information regarding future sea turtle rehab in GA, visit the website gstc.jekyllisland.com. 9/12 Turtle departed STRH this afternoon at 1230 hrs, bound for Georgia.

Pronounced head tilt to the right when surfacing for a breath

Frontal view

Lateral view