Texas State Aquarium to Release Sea Turtles at Padre Island National Seashore on March 9

March 5, 2018

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Texas State Aquarium in conjunction with the Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) announced today the scheduled release of ten rehabilitated green sea turtles back into their natural habitat at Malaquite Beach on Padre Island National Seashore in Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m.

Nine of the turtles were cold-stunned and all ten needed additional medical care. The green sea turtles were brought to the Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue and Recovery Center at the request of the PINS Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery.

In the last three months, more than 1,000 sea turtles have been rescued and released by the Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue and Recovery Center.

Turtles become cold-stunned when exposed to a sudden drop in water temperature. Cold-stunned turtles are unable to swim and can develop symptoms including decreased heart rate, low blood circulation and pneumonia. If they do not receive immediate treatment, cold-stunned sea turtles can be susceptible to drowning, infections, boat strikes and predation.

The Texas State Aquarium is open daily with extended spring break and summer hours. For more information, please visit www.texasstateaquarium.org.

What: Photo/video/interview opportunity: Release of sea turtles

When: Friday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m

Where: Malaquite Beach on Padre Island National Seashore, Malaquite Visitor Center