It’s a Shell-abration

Houston Zoo Releases 25 Sea Turtles Back Home

Twenty-four cold stunned green sea turtles, plus a loggerhead that had been rehabilitating since last fall, are back in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico after being in the care of the Houston Zoo veterinary department and the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research. The sea turtles, ranging in size from 3 to 35 pounds, were released in a joint effort between the Zoo’s sea turtle team, Texas A&M University Galveston’s Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, and Galveston Island Park Board.

So far this year, a total of 102 sea turtles have been brought in from cold stunning events that occurred in January and February. They were found along the upper Texas coast from the Louisiana border to Matagorda bay. During their time under Houston Zoo care, they were treated for wounds, frostbite, eye trauma, infections, and given supportive care to help them gain strength so they can return home. Some turtles were released earlier in the year, but after treatment and assessment for strength and vigor by Houston Zoo veterinarians, the next group of 25 patients were cleared to go back home. Of the 25 turtles, three of them, two green sea turtles and one loggerhead turtle, were equipped with satellite transmitters so Gulf Center researchers can monitor their movements.

Thanks to the incredible dedication of multiple agencies including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Galveston Park Board, Texas Game Wardens, and Texas A&M University-Galveston who have worked tirelessly to ensure the survival of the turtles and ensure their successful return to their natural habitat.

People are urged to call 1-866-TURTLE-5 if they find or accidentally catch a sea turtle so that an expert can assess the turtle and provide care if needed.

Guests can help save wild sea turtles every time they visit the Zoo. A portion of each membership and ticket goes toward supporting the Zoo’s sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation program.