Two endangered sea turtles are getting a new lease on life thanks to advanced imaging at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Alfonzo, a sub-adult Green sea turtle, and Sawyer, an adult male Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, recently traveled from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Starkville for computed tomography (CT) scans that will guide their ongoing treatment.

“IMMS recovered the turtles, and our veterinary clinicians have been providing all of their medical support,” said Dr. Debra Moore, MSU CVM and University Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security assistant clinical professor, who has worked with sea turtles for 35 years. “The hope is always to provide the highest level of veterinary care so we can improve or even resolve their medical issues and ultimately release them back into the wild.”

The turtles were rescued by the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) in Gulfport and brought to MSU through a partnership that allows the school’s veterinarians to provide specialized care when needed. Resident Dr. Tom Campbell led the CT imaging team, with Dr. Alexandra Emelianchik helping oversee diagnostics.

Alfonzo’s hooks

Alfonzo, a Green sea turtle, was found in Alabama in November 2025 with a fishing hook embedded in one of its flippers. Radiographs later revealed additional hooks lodged in the turtle’s gastrointestinal tract.

“When these turtles arrive, we perform a full triage,” said Emelianchik. “Radiographs taken on the coast showed three more hooks in Alfonzo’s intestinal tract. We’ve been monitoring to see whether they’re moving or stuck. Unfortunately, they’re lodged.”

CT imaging at MSU allowed the team to pinpoint the location of each hook, guiding the next steps in Alfonzo’s care.

Sawyer’s challenges

Sawyer, a Kemp’s ridley – the world’s smallest and most endangered sea turtle species – was discovered floating in the Mississippi Sound in spring 2025. Rescuers noted he had lost most of a front flipper, but further examination revealed more serious issues.

“He has pulmonary bullae and lung disease due to a significant bacterial infection and additional parasites in his bronchi,” Moore said. “We’ve been treating him with injectable and oral antibiotics.”

Weighing about 70 pounds, Sawyer continues to receive care through the ongoing partnership between IMMS and MSU. Both turtles returned to Gulfport after last week’s scans for continued monitoring.

Hands-on learning for students

While Alfonzo and Sawyer live at IMMS during treatment, MSU veterinary students get the opportunity to assist when advanced procedures are needed.

“Our students gain hands-on experience with animals like these sea turtles, and that’s a wonderful opportunity,” Moore said.

Caring for coastal wildlife

Every coastal state has a designated stranding agency to respond to injured or sick marine animals. In Mississippi, the IMMS stranding team handles rescues and ensures animals like Alfonzo and Sawyer receive proper care.

“If someone encounters a sea turtle in distress in Mississippi, they should immediately contact IMMS,” Moore said. “We do as much as we can on the coast, but if a surgical option or another treatment requires equipment we have here at Mississippi State, we’ll bring them back.”

Both turtles are expected to require long-term treatment, with future medical decisions guided by their ongoing progress. Their story highlights the importance of partnerships between wildlife organizations and veterinary schools, giving endangered species a second chance and providing students invaluable real-world experience.

For more information about the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security, visit vetmed.msstate.edu and gcahfs.msstate.edu.

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