Stranded Sea Turtles Rescued and Receiving Treatment at Texas State Aquarium

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – 44 juvenile green sea turtles that were stranded due to high winds and coastal flooding are now receiving treatment at the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center, with more sea turtles expected to arrive today.  

Padre Island National Seashore-Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery rescued the stranded turtles after they were discovered on the shore, appearing to be struggling with high winds, coastal flooding and strong currents. Sea Turtle Science & Recovery staff then relocated the stranded turtles to their headquarters, where the turtles were assessed and evaluated.

“Most of the turtles rescued are being transported to the Texas State Aquarium and we are very grateful for their help during this stranding event,” said Donna Shaver, Texas Coordinator of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network and lead for the sea turtle programs at Padre Island National Seashore. “Working together, we can help save these gentle juvenile green turtles.”

At the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center, the sea turtles are being treated for exhaustion, dehydration and any injuries. Once the turtles have been treated, assessed and are deemed ready for release, they will be returned back to their natural habitat.

Dr. Shaver said she urges citizens to not pick up or touch the green turtles that are washing ashore near the jetties. If a member of the public sees a stranded turtle, they are asked to immediately call Padre Island National Seashore at (361) 949-8173, ext. 226 if they are on North Padre Island or the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at UT Marine Science Institute at (361) 749-6793 if they are on Mustang Island.

Biologists will come to the reported site, rescue the turtle and make sure that it gets documented and brought to a rehabilitation facility to be evaluated, receive treatment if necessary and be given time to recover.

To learn more about the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center, its conservation partnership with the Padre Island National Seashore-Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery, and how you can help rescued sea turtles, visitwww.texasstateaquarium.org/turtlerescue.