01/09/2023  Turtle was found in floating off Vero Beach in Indian River County on the east coast of Florida.  It was transported to Sea Turtle Healing Center at Brevard Zoo for rehabilitation.  While at Brevard, he was started on subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics, etc.  

01/19/2023  Due to overcrowding of some facilities on the east coast, FWC transferred some turtles to Mote for rehabilitation.  Thunderball was put in a rehab. tank at a very low water level to acclimate after transport.  

01/20/2023  Thunderball eventually ate all seafood offered.

01/25/2023  The depth of Thunderball's tank is being slowly increased.  He/she slowly becoming more active and continues to eat all seafood offered.  Continues to receive antibiotic injections every couple days until blood work improves.

01/28/2023  Turtle's tank is now at full depth.  Thunderball is slowly becoming more active and is eagerly eating all seafood offered daily.

01/29/2023  Thunderball was sedated and had surgery to remove the fibropapilloma tumors present.  

02/18/2023  Thunderball recovered well following his surgery.  He continues to eat well and spend much of the day swimming.  Because he is eating well, he is now receiving oral antibiotics instead of injectable to minimize stress from handling.

02/25/2023  Thunderball is healing well and blood values have improved, so antibiotics have been discontinued.

03/10/2023  Mote staff released Thunderball on the east coast today.