Meet Journey

the story

About Journey

Journey is a small juvenile green sea turtle who, at first glance, appears healthy. They arrived at our hospital at a good weight with no obvious injuries, but despite their healthy appearance, Journey is very sick. Their condition affects their ability to move and perform basic functions on their own, making specialized care and close monitoring essential to their recovery.
Journey arrived on August 15, exactly one year after our sea turtle hospital opened its doors. The timing made their name especially fitting. As we marked our hospital’s first anniversary and reflected on how far we have come, this little turtle began a journey of their own.

Rescue

Journey was found by a mother and daughter on a small beach along the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach. Surrounded by trash and barely moving, Journey was clearly in need of help. The pair called STS and, following our team’s instructions, carefully moved Journey to a safe, shaded area while they waited for help to arrive. When our rescue team reached the beach, Journey was extremely lethargic and was transported to our sea turtle hospital for immediate evaluation and care.

Diagnose

Journey’s initial bloodwork and radiographs showed no significant abnormalities, and there were no external injuries to explain why they were so lethargic. A neurologic exam, however, revealed a very different picture. Journey is unable to blink or open their mouth and has significant muscle weakness throughout their body. Although they may appear healthy on the outside, Journey is suffering from the effects of a neurotoxin, most likely botulism.

Care

Because of the severe muscle weakness caused by botulism, Journey must remain in very shallow water and has a long recovery ahead. Medications have been given to help reduce the effects of the neurotoxin, but there is no true cure. Journey also requires tube feeding because they are currently unable to eat on their own. As the neurotoxin gradually leaves their system, Journey will receive intensive supportive care, close monitoring, and physical therapy to help maintain and rebuild muscle strength and function.

Fun Fact

Botulism is caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a naturally occurring bacterium found in freshwater and marine environments. Journey most likely consumed something contaminated with the toxin. The toxin blocks communication between nerves and muscles, causing widespread muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis. In sea turtles, this condition is sometimes called “floppy turtle syndrome.”