After 8-Month Battle with Pneumonia, Endangered Sea Turtle Released by Texas State Aquarium
August 28, 2025
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Texas State Aquarium’s Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue successfully released a rehabilitated juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, one of the most endangered sea turtle species in the world, at Padre Balli Park on North Padre Island following an extraordinary eight-month recovery.
The sea turtle, known as Patient #529, originally stranded on December 27, 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts, after being discovered cold-stunned along the beaches of Cape Cod. It was one of 18 sea turtles transported to the Texas State Aquarium when rehabilitation centers in New England were at capacity. Cold stunning, a life-threatening condition for cold-blooded reptiles, occurs when frigid water and air temperatures leave them lethargic and unable to swim, often leading to pneumonia, hypothermia, or injuries from rough surf. Upon arrival, this turtle was diagnosed with a severe case of pneumonia and faced a long road to recovery.
Over the course of eight months, the Aquarium’s veterinary team provided intensive care, including multiple rounds of antibiotics, antifungal medications, and nebulization therapy. When those treatments did not produce results, the team performed a bronchiolar lavage, an advanced procedure to identify infectious agents in the lungs, while monitoring progress with CT imaging. Thanks to this specialized care, the sea turtle made a remarkable recovery, with recent scans showing clear, healthy lungs and the strength needed to thrive back in its natural habitat.
“We’re glad to see this sea turtle back in the ocean. Every release shows our commitment to wildlife resiliency in the Coastal Bend and the importance of protecting critically endangered species.” said Jesse Gilbert, President and CEO at the Texas State Aquarium.
The Kemp’s ridley is the world’s most endangered sea turtle, with populations still recovering after decades of decline. Every successful rescue and release reflects the Aquarium’s ongoing commitment to protecting these vulnerable animals. Including today’s release, the Wildlife Rescue team has returned 16 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles from this New England transport back to their natural habitat.
The Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at the Texas State Aquarium is one of the largest coastal wildlife rescue facilities in the United States. In addition to caring for stranded or injured marine animals, the Aquarium works closely with state and federal partners to conserve and protect wildlife throughout the Gulf.
About Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium (TSA), the Official Aquarium of the State of Texas, is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) institution that is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Its mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas and support wildlife conservation. TSA, the largest Aquarium in Texas, cares for over 4,000 animals and has been named the #3 Best Aquarium in North America by USA Today. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org.
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Texas State Aquarium Contact:
Jennifer Vela
Chief Government Affairs and Marketing Officer
361.653.2655
[email protected]
Media Assets: Sea turtle Release b-roll and photos