Aquarium of the Pacific staff were able to free an entangled green sea turtle and rescue another green sea turtle that needed immediate medical attention in early March thanks to a partnership and permit with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) West Coast Region. Both turtles are estimated to be subadults and were found in distress in the San Gabriel River, where the Aquarium conducts its ongoing Southern California Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. The sea turtle that was rescued was in critical condition and brought to the Aquarium where veterinary experts are trying to save it. The turtle is now in stable condition, had surgery on its injured flipper and also to remove a hook from its throat, and is going through recovery.
Working in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s veterinary staff members regularly help to rehabilitate ill or injured sea turtles for release back into the ocean. The Aquarium has cared for turtles since 2000, including green, olive ridley, and loggerhead sea turtles.
All seven of the world’s sea turtle species are endangered. If you see a stranded sea turtle in the San Gabriel River or elsewhere, please call the West Coast Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network 24/7 hotline at: 562-506-4315.
Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.
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