Alligator With Missing Upper Jaw From Florida Is Healing, Getting Stronger

Jawlene, the alligator with a missing upper jaw, is thriving. Gatorland shared an update about the reptile last week.

Jawlene Is Recovering Well

Officials from the wildlife preserve Gatorland shared the good news in a post-Thanksgiving update about Jawlene. According to them, Jawlene has a few worms and is still being treated. However, she has already gained two pounds so far.

Savannah Boan also shared an update on Facebook. She said it was a "wild ride" since the gator joined them. Jolene was reportedly an incredible testament of "strength and resilience."

They helped Jawline adjust to living as a feral alligator and were patient in observing her to learn how to feed her efficiently so she wouldn't be frustrated with the process.

Boan added that Jawlene is becoming stronger daily and gaining weight. She's also learning to trust them. Gatorland Global is a conservation arm that is designed for such kind of circumstances.

She ended her post by thanking those who sent their love, support, and prayers for Jawlene. She also said they appreciate those who have been part of the Gatorland Family, no matter where they are.

Several netizens were pleased with the update about Jawlene. John Mudge said the world is "100% absolutely a better place" with Boan. One asked how they fed Jawlene since she had a missing upper lip and couldn't chew food.

Boan shared a clip, which showed one man holding the little gator and another pushing the food straight to her throat. They assisted her in swallowing the food by massaging her throat. Boan said Jawlene has made huge progress and is now eating on her own.

President and CEO of Gatorland, Mark McHugh, added that Jawlene had been eating a few mice. She would reportedly get it back right up on the back of her tongue before throwing it around and getting her little tongue going until she was ready to swallow it.

How Did Jawlene Lose Her Jaw?

Jawlene has received much love globally, even without an upper jaw. Many wondered how she had lost her jaw, and the reason remained vague. There are speculations that it was due to an interaction with a boat propeller or probably due to alligator aggression.

Gatorland has received international media attention after rescuing Jawlene. Some public members wondered what was next for the much-beloved gator and if it would be possible to give her a prosthetic.

McHugh said he had already talked to people who make prosthetics for animals and people and individuals who do 3D printing. He admitted that it was something they considered. However, at present, they only think about Jawlene's welfare, and they don't want to stress her out.

"We're going to let her get comfortable, start eating, put on some weight and just get situated in her new world," McHugh said.

Some of the creatures at Gatorland have names based on family members, famous events, and the circumstances surrounding their rescues. Jawlene was named after Dolly Parton's 1973 hit "Jolene."

Aside from Jawlene, Gatorland is home to Lyle the crocodile. There have been goats in the Salt, Pepper, and Nutmeg petting zoo and two capybara brothers named Ben and Jerry. The other gators are Pearl, Tamale, Chester, Winchester, Bogey, and Bonecrusher, followed by Bonecrusher II.

Check out more news and information on Alligators in Science Times.