Rescued Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Returns Home After Receiving Months of Care at the Aquarium of the Pacific

August 11, 2025

August 11, 2025, Long Beach, California-A rescued olive ridley sea turtle has returned to the ocean after receiving seven months of care from staff at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Aquarium staff released the rehabilitated sea turtle from their boat off the coast of Southern California as Aquarium donors watched and celebrated from aboard a vessel donated by Harbor Breeze Cruises. An open ocean release was chosen because this sea turtle species is migratory. They sometimes travel thousands of miles between feeding grounds and nesting sites.

The olive ridley sea turtle was found cold-stunned and stranded on Pismo Beach on December 14, 2024, and was rescued by The Marine Mammal Center. The turtle was also dehydrated, somewhat emaciated, and had wounds on its flippers, eyes, and shell. Aquarium of the Pacific staff met the rescue team halfway to transfer the turtle to the Aquarium for a medical evaluation and care. The Aquarium was selected because of its expertise in treating and releasing stranded and injured sea turtles.

The Aquarium's animal care team treated the turtle with gradual warming and subcutaneous fluids on the first day. During its time at the Aquarium, the olive ridley's superficial wounds were also treated until it recovered. The adult or subadult olive ridley sea turtle weighs sixty-three pounds after gaining thirteen since its arrival.

"Time and again, our staff are prepared to prioritize aid for animals in their time of need, which is nothing short of inspirational. We are grateful to Harbor Breeze Cruises for making this a special day for staff and our supporters who were able to board their vessel to witness this special moment," said Jaros.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has rehabilitated and released rescued sea turtles since 2000. Some have been fitted with satellite tracking devices that allowed scientists to gather data about their migration patterns and habitats. All species of sea turtles found in waters of the United States are listed as either endangered or threatened and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Their numbers have fallen to the point that every turtle is important to the future of the species.

The Aquarium of the Pacific also announced in October 2024 that it received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as matched funds from the KM Shimano Family Foundation, to construct an on-site sea turtle rehabilitation area near its Molina Animal Care Center. The space includes an approximately 4,000-gallon enclosure but will require other specialty equipment and medical supplies. These will further the Aquarium's efforts in caring for future stranded, sick, or injured sea turtles, so they can heal and return to their natural habitat. Since every rescued sea turtle has a story of survival, the public is invited to help write the next chapter. You can support sea turtle rehabilitation efforts and make an impact for these endangered creatures that will last generations by donating to the rescue to release campaign.