Moses, a disabled Gulf Coast box turtle at Mississippi Aquarium, wheels around freely. His transportation abilities were made possible by the determination and passion of a compassionate coral laboratory aquarist.
Aquarium officials explained that Moses has “significant mobility impairments” due to his missing back legs. But his lack of limbs did not prevent JonAustin White from looking to improve the beloved turtle’s means of getting around. White used his knack for technology and access to a 3D printer to brainstorm ways to support the Gulfport facility’s mission to rehabilitate its injured inhabitants. After being introduced to Moses, White had a lightbulb moment and came up with the idea of creating a mini wheelchair specifically tailored to the turtle’s shell and movement capabilities.
Using precise measurements and 3D modeling technology, White created a lightweight, durable support device that allows Moses to move freely and comfortably. After building a few prototypes, White finally found the perfect fit for Moses — a wheelchair that fit the turtle’s body while enabling natural leg motion, helping him regain independence in his daily activities.
This custom-made piece centers around a ball bearing design. Those bearings clip into the base along with the wheels. The design allows the wheels to spin independently, so that Moses has even more mobility. At the base of the wheelchair, Moses has a front support in addition to braces that help keep him secure.
Since being fitted with the wheelchair, aquarium officials say Moses has shown remarkable progress by exploring his outdoor grazing areas, interacting more with enrichment items, and overall improved mental stimulation.
“One of my favorite things about working here at Mississippi Aquarium so far has been that I get to help with multiple teams and work on little side projects like this that help the animals here at the aquarium,” White said.
Moses is one of the ambassador animals at Mississippi Aquarium, helping educate guests and students across the state on native box turtles through outreach programs, field trips, and summer camps. With Moses, the aquarium crew presents the unique characteristics of box turtles, their diets, and ways people can be advocates for the reptiles in their natural habitat.
“Gulf Coast Box turtles move around a lot, which [Moses] can’t do a lot of because of his limitations, but this helps provide that mobility,” Mississippi Aquarium Birds and Ambassador Animal Specialist Briana Hansen said. “If you look at Moses in his wheelchair, he’s so engaged. He’s looking. He’s listening. He’s checking out his environment.”
