Agate is a resilient sea turtle who came to Gulf Specimen Marine Lab after being washed ashore at Keaton Beach during Hurricane Helene. When she arrived, she was weak and struggling—diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia from inhaling seawater while being tossed by the powerful storm. Her right shoulder was also injured, likely strained or bruised from the violent tumbling in the surf.

Recovery was slow. It took nearly three weeks before Agate could swim and eat on her own. Because sea turtles are reptiles with slower metabolisms, healing from pneumonia takes time. As she began to improve, another challenge surfaced—osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection likely caused by debris getting under her shell during the storm.

Despite these setbacks, Agate is recovering well. Thanks to steady care and her own determination, she continues to grow stronger every day and should be ready for release back into the wild in the near future. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of marine wildlife rescue and the resilience of sea turtles.