• Skip to main content

Celebrating 50 Years of CMA! Learn about our history.

  • Rescue Map
  • Careers
    • Job Opportunities
    • Internships
  • Visit CMA
    • Visit Info
    • Tickets
    • Experience
    • Plan An Event
    • Learn
    • Webcams
  • News
    • Press Releases
    • Manatee UME
    • 2021-2022 Right Whale Calving Season
    • Sea Turtle Patients
    • Sea Turtle Releases
    • Rescue Stories
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Logo

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  • What We Do
    • Rescue, Rehab, Release
    • Animal Care
    • Conservation & Research
    • Inspire The Human Spirit
  • Get Involved
    • Ways to Give
    • Protect the Nest
    • Save a Seat
    • Membership
    • Adoptions
    • Marine Life Rescue Project
    • Volunteer
    • Careers & Internships
  • Research Institute
    • Manatee Research
    • Right Whale Research
    • Expeditions
    • Project Partners
    • Meet Our Researchers
  • Education & Resources
    • Educational Resources
    • Off-Site Programs
    • Education Station
    • Virtual Backgrounds
    • Report An Animal
  • About
    • Corporate Partnerships
    • Board of Directors
    • Executive Leadership
    • Contact Us
    • Financial Reports
    • Press & News
  • Donate
Blog & News

Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Jalapeno Cheddar

Current Patients Updated May 2, 2022 Posted March 30, 2022

Jalapeno Cheddar

Juvenile, green (Chelonia mydas)
Patient Status
Current
Date Found
March 24, 2022
Location
St. Pete Beach; Pinellas County
Reason for Rescue
Washed ashore

Initial Assessment

Weight
6.93 kg (15.2 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
40.7 cm
Exam Findings
Lethargic and thin. Carapace is covered in a large amount of epibiota, specifically sea squirts. Fibropapilloma tumors present on left eye.
Initial Treatment
Vitamin injections, antibiotics, and fluids

Jalapeno Cheddar’s Story

Jalapeno Cheddar is a juvenile green sea turtle who was found washed ashore in St. Pete on March 24th. At the examination, Jalapeno Cheddar was lethargic, thin, and covered in a large amount of epibiota, especially sea squirts. There are fibropapilloma tumors on his left eye and one large tumor near the left rear flipper. Jalapeno’s initial treatment consists of fluids, vitamin injections, and antibiotics.

INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Sauces

Treatment Updates

3.25.22

Due to his lethargy, Jalapeno Cheddar was placed in a shallow kiddie pool for his first swim test. He was only able to be in water for about an hour. We will slowly increase his swim time as his health improves.

3.28.22

Jalapeno is able to be in a shallow kiddie pool all day! He is starting to show interest in food and is becoming more alert! We are continuing to do glucose checks and giving fluids as needed.

3.30.22

Jalapeno went for a CT scan, there were no obvious internal tumors seen. He is able to be in shallow kiddie pool overnight! Our team’s goal is to get him healthy and ready for surgery to remove fibropapilloma tumors.

4.8.22

Jalapeno is continuing to improve. He is eating well and doing great in deep water all day and overnight.

4.20.22

Jalapeno’s diet was increased, and he is continuing to gain weight!


All marine turtle footage taken in Florida was obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-21/22-172A.

Previous Post: CMA Researcher Travels to Cuba in Effort to Save Manatee Calf
Next Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Italian
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

Sign up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe

Shop • Careers & Internships • Contact


Visit Us

Buy Tickets • Watch Webcams • Camps • Upcoming Events


© 2022 Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions • Accessibility

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

  • What We Do
  • Get Involved
  • Research Institute
  • Education & Resources
  • About
  • Visit CMA
  • Membership
  • Careers
  • Donate
  • Blog & News
  • Rescue Map