Support Sea Turtle Rescue Efforts

You can help the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium save sea turtles.

Sea turtles, indeed, face numerous natural and man-made threats which have contributed to their global population decline---perhaps one in a thousand survives to be an adult. All seven species of sea turtles are included under the Endangered Species Act. Currently all but one species of sea turtles are listed as endangered, the only exception, the loggerhead, is listed as threatened.

In 2009, we began the the Sea Turtle Second Chance Program. 

The primary goal of the program is to provide long-term rehabilitation for sea turtles that were stranded, nest-bound or injured. Taking in these long-term cases allows costal rehabilitation facilities to focus on emergency and short-term rehabilitation needs. 

While in Pittsburgh, the sea turtles serve as ambassadors, promoting the conservation and awareness of threatened and endangered sea turtle species.  

In October 2011, two loggerhead sea turtles, Little Yinzer and LC, were cleared to be released by the Zoo's veterinary staff. Prior to release, LC was fitted with a satelitte tag. The tag will provide valuable information about LC's travels over the 6-24 months. Follow LC's travels here. 

After releasing LC and Little Yinzer, PPG Aquarium staff brought two newly stranded loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings back to Pittsburgh to begin their rehabilitation. Please visit them at the PPG Aquarium the next time you come to the Zoo.