Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Grapevine, Texas

SEA LIFE’s turtle rescue center in Grapevine provides an opportunity for visitors to view, interact, and learn about sea turtles. These fascinating creatures have been roaming the oceans for millions of years. But in the last 200 years, human activities have significantly reduced their population. 

Sea turtles suffer from poaching, boat accidents, being caught by fishing nets, and habitat destruction. Poachers hunt them for their eggs, meat, skin, and shell. Due to these activities, some sea turtles have now become endangered. What is the SEA LIFE Aquarium in Grapevine doing to protect sea turtles? And what can you do to support them? We’ll answer those questions. But first, here are some interesting facts about sea turtles. 

How Many Species of Sea Turtles are There? 

Sea turtles are classified into seven species: Leatherback, Green Turtle, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Kemp’s Ridley, and Flatback. Leatherback is the largest sea turtle, weighing between 500 to 2,000 pounds (225 to 900 kgs). Like their land cousins, sea turtles can live for over 50 years. 

They spend most of their time submerged in water, feeding on seagrass and algae. Some sea turtles can hold their breath for about an hour when resting. But most times, they come to the surface frequently to breathe. Even though sea turtles travel thousands of miles during migration, they often return to the beach where they were born to lay their eggs. 

Sea Life Aquarium in Grapevine provides a safe home to some of these reptiles in a sea turtle exhibit.  

Eddie the Turtle 

Eddie is a green sea turtle found at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center at SEA LIFE Grapevine. He was rescued by a turtle patroller who found him floating off the South Carolina coast in August 2012. The rescuers realized he had a buoyancy problem because he couldn’t dive deep to feed on seagrass. They then took Eddie to a turtle hospital at South Carolina Aquarium. 

The hospital did a series of tests, including taking x-rays and diagnosed Eddie with severe impaction. Unfortunately, Eddie had a boat injury which appeared to be healed. It wasn’t clear whether the boat strike had anything to do with the buoyancy problem. After some rehabilitation efforts, Eddie was found to be non-releasable because he couldn’t dive to the sea floor to find food. Fortunately, in May 2014, Eddie found a permanent home in SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium.  

What is SEA LIFE Grapevine Doing to Rescue and Conserve Sea Turtles?

Sea turtles face many dangers, as you can see from the four resident turtles living at Sea Life Grapevine aquarium. Some problems, such as boat strikes, are human-caused, while others, like cold stunning, are natural. Whatever the cause, SEA LIFE Grapevine aquarium remains at the forefront when it comes to saving turtles. Below are some of the things the aquarium is doing to protect turtles. 

Operating Sea Turtle Exhibits and Rescue Centers 

SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium is the most inland sea turtle hospital in Texas. Each year the facility receives dozens of sea turtles with all sorts of problems. The rescue center provides diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for these turtles. 

If the turtles respond well to the treatment, they are released back to the sea. Unfortunately, not all recover from injuries. Such turtles end up in sea turtle exhibits, where they receive continuous care. 

Creating Public Awareness 

SEA LIFE Grapevine creates public awareness of the importance of protecting turtles. They do this by exposing human activities that pose a danger to sea turtles. For instance, fishing gear poses a great danger to turtles as most of them get trapped by the nets. But fishermen can save turtles by using turtle excluder devices to allow the sea turtles to escape. 

Additionally, the Sea Life Grapevine aquarium has a virtual rehabilitation journey that takes visitors through the different stages of rehabilitating sea turtles. Visitors to SEA LIFE Grapevine have an opportunity to learn the process and the importance of rehabilitating sea turtles. 

Organizing Fundraising Events 

SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium supports charitable organizations, such as SEA LIFE Trust, by organizing fundraising events. Sea Life Trust is a non-profit organization that aims to protect marine life globally. The organization has established several marine animal sanctuaries. They also run campaigns and global projects that advocate for plastic-free oceans and clean beaches. All these efforts ensure the turtles’ habitat is protected. 

It’s essential to note that saving turtles is a collective responsibility requiring everyone’s contribution. So, what can you do to help protect turtles? Here are a few things you can do. 

What Can You Do to Protect Sea Turtle Habitat?

You can help to protect sea turtles by doing the following. 

Support Conservation Efforts at Aquariums 

You can support conservation efforts by donating to organizations that protect sea turtle habitats, such as the SEA LIFE Trust, or volunteering with local conservation groups. SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium organizes events to create awareness and raise money for sea turtle conservation. You can show your support by attending such events. 

Dispose of Trash Properly 

Destruction of turtle habitat is posing great danger to turtles. These creatures can swallow plastic bags, mistaking the items to be jellyfish. And when these plastics get into the stomach, they create digestive problems leading to death. Therefore, practice proper waste disposal to protect the turtles’ habitat. 

Respect Nesting Areas 

Respect nesting areas and avoid disturbing sea turtles during the nesting process. If you encounter nesting sea turtles, give them plenty of space and avoid using flashlights or taking flash photography. Sea turtle hatchlings use the moon’s reflection over the ocean to guide them to the water after hatching. Beach lights can disorient them. So avoid shining lights on the beach at night during nesting season. 

Visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Center at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium 

As the human population increases, sea turtles slowly lose their habitat due to human encroachment. Other activities that pose a danger to sea turtles include speed boats, poaching, ocean pollution, and fishing nets that catch turtles. SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium protects sea turtles by running a rehabilitation and rescue center. 

You can show your support by visiting the center to see the turtles, learn about them, and contribute to charity work. Besides the turtles, you’ll see thousands of other aquatic creatures. Visit the tickets page and book online to guarantee entry. Don’t forget to bring your kids to SEA LIFE Grapevine an educative and fun-filled family tour.