Texas State Aquarium Welcomes 18 Endangered Sea Turtles from New England
December 30, 2024
Corpus Christi, TX – On Friday, December 27, the Texas State Aquarium admitted 18 critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, flown from the New England Aquarium in Massachusetts to Corpus Christi, Texas. This long rescue journey was made possible by Turtles Fly Too, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes volunteer pilots to transport endangered sea turtles.
These juvenile sea turtles were discovered cold-stunned along the beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Cold stunning, a life-threatening condition for cold-blooded reptiles, occurs when plummeting water and air temperatures leave them lethargic and unable to swim. Without expert care, these turtles face severe complications, including hypothermia, pneumonia, and injuries caused by rough surf.
“The Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Team was honored to join forces with NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for this important mission to safeguard these vulnerable turtles,” said Jesse Gilbert, President and CEO of the Texas State Aquarium. “From intake evaluations to ongoing care, our dedicated animal health and rescue teams are working hard to give every turtle the best chance at recovery and a return to their natural habitat.”
With rehabilitation centers in New England nearing capacity, the Texas State Aquarium stepped in to provide the critical care needed. In the days leading up to their arrival, the Aquarium’s team worked diligently to ensure the Sea Turtle Hospital at the Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue was ready to provide the turtles with immediate and expert treatment.
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the official state sea turtle of Texas, is the world’s most critically endangered sea turtle species. This rescue is also a homecoming—many of these juvenile turtles likely hatched on Texas or Tamaulipas beaches. As they recover at the Texas State Aquarium, our dedicated teams are working to prepare them for their return to their natural habitat.
Guests can visit the rescued sea turtles at the Aquarium’s Center for Wildlife Rescue, open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the Center is donation-based, and everyone is welcome to witness these sea turtles’ journey to recovery while learning about the Aquarium’s critical conservation efforts.
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 #5 Best Aquarium in North America by USA Today. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org
Texas State Aquarium Contact:
Jennifer Vela
Chief Government Affairs and Marketing Officer
361.653.2655
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