about sea turtle, inc.
Our Mission
At Sea Turtle, Inc. our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured sea turtles; educate the public; and assist with conservation efforts for all marine turtle species.
Our History
Sea Turtle, Inc. was founded in 1977 by Ila Fox Loetscher, better known as “The Turtle Lady of South Padre Island.” In 1999, Sea Turtle, Inc. moved from Ila’s backyard into its current location at 6617 Padre Blvd.
Originally this organization was formed to aid in the protection and recovery of the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Our mission has since expanded into three parts: Education, Rehabilitation, and Conservation.
Today, Sea Turtle, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit that is funded through public donations and on-site gift shop sales. We do not receive any government funding.

Funded by Passion for Turtles
Today, Sea Turtle, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit that is funded through public donations and on-site gift shop sales. We do not receive any government funding.
Your donations help with the upkeep of the sea turtles housed at the facility. This includes food, medications, heaters, filters, water and electricity.
Your donations are also used to support Sea Turtle, Inc.’s educational programs on site, on line, or in schools.
Your donations allow us to participate in alternative resource and conservation projects involving sea turtles around the world, increasing our conservation reach.
Sea Turtle, Inc. awards college scholarships to biology students. Each summer we host an internship program for currently enrolled or recently graduated biology students. Your donations fund our internship and scholarship programs.
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