In a heartwarming display of dedication and expertise, Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM) has successfully saved a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, one of the world's most endangered sea turtle species, during its third visit for specialized care.

Known affectionately as Toast Malone, this resilient sea turtle arrived at MSU CVM with a fishhook lodged in its stomach. Thanks to the swift and skillful intervention by MSU Professor and CVM Internist Dr. John Thomason, who performed an endoscopy, the fishhook was safely removed, saving Toast Malone’s life.

The veterinary college is no stranger to Toast Malone, having performed similar life-saving procedures on the turtle in the past. Each visit is part of a larger effort by the university-based Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security (GCAHFS) and its Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Health Program—a collaborative initiative between MSU CVM and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport.

Dr. Thomason highlighted the remarkable navigational skills of sea turtles, which often return to familiar areas despite the hazards they face. “We are giving these animals the opportunity to recover and thrive,” he said. “It is inevitable that humans are going to come in contact with marine animals, and it should be our responsibility to help these animals if they need us—especially if we move into their environment.”

Alongside Toast Malone, another loggerhead sea turtle, Mudpie, also received critical care at MSU CVM. Mudpie had two fishhooks—one in its esophagus and another in its mouth—which were successfully removed by Dr. Thomason, additional CVM faculty, and fourth-year veterinary students.

The GCAHFS Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Program regularly engages CVM faculty, staff, and students in the rehabilitation of marine animals. These hands-on experiences are invaluable for veterinary students, providing them with unique learning opportunities that will shape their future careers.

Kathryn Rapp, a fourth-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student from Hamburg, New York, is one such student who aspires to specialize in aquatic and exotic animals. She participated in and observed the procedure, gaining firsthand experience in the specialized care of sea turtles. “This was the first time I have witnessed and assisted in using endoscopy to remove fishing hooks, it was an incredible learning experience,” she said. “As a group, we reviewed anesthetic protocols for chelonians, learned how to safely restrain for the procedure and discussed the upper airway anatomy of sea turtles. It was amazing to see students, staff, and doctors from so many departments of the hospital combine their knowledge and skills to help these endangered animals.”

Both Toast Malone and Mudpie were able to leave the Starkville-based veterinary hospital on the same day as their procedures, returning to the care of GCAHFS faculty and staff on the Mississippi coast for further rehabilitation. Dr. Thomason emphasized the importance of ensuring these turtles are fully capable of surviving in the wild before their release. “They are not ready to be released yet. We need to make sure these turtles are eating, gaining weight, able to swim and dive,” he said. “We need to make sure they can hunt. They need to show us that they can survive in the wild. I am optimistic they will both be released.”

Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine continues to play a crucial role in the conservation and recovery of endangered marine species, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to animal health and welfare. Their work not only saves lives but also provides vital educational experiences for the next generation of veterinary professionals.