Sea Turtle Inc. on South Padre Island, Texas, was established to “…rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured sea turtles, educate the public, and assist with conservation efforts for all marine turtle species.” Founded in 1977 by Ila Fox Loetscher, in 1999, Sea Turtle, Inc. moved from Ila’s backyard into its current location at 6617 Padre Blvd. Originally formed to assist in the recovery and protection of the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, their mission expanded to include education, rehabilitation, and conservation.
Today, Sea Turtle, Inc.’s sole sources of income are public donations and sales in their gift shop. No government funding is accessed, and as a result, donations aid in the upkeep of the sea turtles that call the facility home. Their upkeep includes medications, diet, water and electricity, heaters, and filters. The income is also used to support their educational programs, sea turtle alternative resource and conservation projects throughout the world, and awarding scholarships to college biology students. Each summer, Sea Turtle Inc. hosts an internship program for recently graduated or presently enrolled biology students, and the following video features Intern Jessica Salvidar providing a tour of the facility in 2007. See how she does and learn more about their oldest resident – Gerald, or Geraldine?