"Jax 2" upon arrival with fishing line in its mouth.

A radiograph (X-ray) showing the hook inside Jax 2.

5/14 Turtle admitted. Monofilament fishing line coming out of mouth.  Radiographs show a hook in stomach.

5/15 Barium study done on animal. Animal also given mineral oil enemas.

5/17 Animal passing crab shells and appetite is increasing.  Surgical removal of hook is being considered if hook does not continue to move on its own. 

5/27 Animal passed hook and line!  

6/4 Animal is active and eating well.

7/25 Monitoring this turtle for stress and a possible infection.

7/30 Started the turtle on antibiotics and will continue to watch it closely.

8/25 Blood work indicates low iron levels, so iron injections will be given weekly and we will continue to monitor this condition.

9/5 Iron levels improved, taken off of iron injections 9/20 Stable and bloodwork continues to improve. 

9/24 Turtle was weighed today and has nearly doubled in weight since arrival.  Turtle is active and eating well. 

10/8-10/27 Turtle has has been started on antibiotics to improve bloodwork parameters. 10/28 Jax 2 is no longer on antibiotics.  General disposition, weight, and bloodwork indicate he is eligible for release soon.

12/6 Turtle was released today along with two other Kemp's ridley sea turtles.

Jax 2 during treatment at Mote

Sometimes human activities can have a detrimental affect on the marine animals that fascinate us so much. A few things you can do to help wild turtles include:

• Stowing your trash (especially cigarette butts and plastic) and disposing of it in a closed container on shore
• Making sure your fishing line is in good condition to help reduce breakage
• Using corrodible hooks — that way, if you accidentally hook a sea turtle, the hook will rust away.

You can also help Mote help these creatures by making a donation today.