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A critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the rarest sea turtle species in the world, was discovered struggling for survival on a Texas beach near Galveston’s Beach Pocket Park early Saturday morning.
The adult female turtle was found lethargic and barely moving, her shell heavily encrusted with barnacles, algae, and moss. A concerned beachgoer alerted authorities through a statewide turtle rescue hotline.
Responders from the Gulf Centre for Sea Turtle Research (GCSTR) arrived promptly and assessed the turtle’s condition. Christopher Marshall, Director of GCSTR, explained the dangers:
“Healthy sea turtles are swimming sea turtles. Once a turtle slows down due to health issues, organisms in the water quickly colonize its shell. This extra weight makes it harder for the turtle to swim, creating a cycle that can worsen its condition.”
The turtle was first taken to the Houston Zoo for an emergency veterinary assessment and then transferred to GCSTR’s rehabilitation hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Rescue teams hope that intensive care and monitoring will help her recover.
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