Sea Turtle, Inc.

Sea Turtle, Inc. rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured sea turtles. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. STI was founded in 1977 by Ila Fox Loetscher, better known as "The Turtle Lady of South Padre Island." In 1999, STI moved from Ila's backyard into its current location at 6617 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX. Originally formed to aid in the protection and recovery of the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, our mission has now expanded into three parts: • Rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured sea turtles • Educate the public • Assist with conservation efforts for all sea turtle species. Income for operations is 100 percent funded by admission, public donations and gift shop sales, which are used to achieve the three missions (rehabilitation, education, and conservation). Specifically, donations help with the upkeep of the sea turtles housed at the facility. This includes food, medications, heaters, filters, water, and electricity. Donations are also used to support Sea Turtle, Inc.’s educational programs and alternative resource and conservation projects around the world. Sea Turtle, Inc. also awards scholarships to University level biology students. Each summer we host an internship program for eight currently enrolled or recently graduated college students in the biological sciences. Donations fund both of these student opportunities.