Sea Turtle, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation inspired by the dedication of its founder, Ila Loetscher. Its sole support is public donations which are used for the upkeep of the sea turtles housed at the facility. That includes food, medications, heaters, filters, water and electricity. Donations also support Sea Turtle, Inc.’s educational programs, including outreach programs.

Sea Turtle, Inc. awards scholarships to University level biology students. Additionally, Sea Turtle, Inc. helps support sea turtle projects such as that of the Kemp’s ridley project (a joint U.S./Mexico project to preserve the only known nesting site of the most endangered of all sea turtle species). That U.S. project is a function of U.S. Fish and Wildlife and receives government financing. It makes up shortfalls in that financing with the aid of outside organizations such as Sea Turtle, Inc. Sea Turtle, Inc. also provides volunteers to work on the nesting beaches.

Sea Turtle, Inc. presents educational programs to the general public daily at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Additionally, walk-thru tours are available until 4 pm. Groups may schedule a special presentation. These shows are especially formatted for the age group and educational level of those attending. Historically, the majority of the special shows have been for school groups from throughout the Valley. Grades range from Headstart groups all the way through to university students and teachers’ groups.

Programs have been tailored to the needs of deaf preschoolers, study groups from Mexico and continuing education programs for teachers. Recently, an extended family group from Brownsville celebrated its patriarch’s 80th birthday with a special show at Sea Turtle, Inc.!

Sea Turtle, Inc. is open to visitors on Tuesday - Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sea Turtle, Inc. is growing and looks forward to continuing and expanding its commitment to the environment and its inhabitants through education and participation in conservation efforts worldwide.