The Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research has been caring for the turtle since it was found stranded on the island’s west end in July.
GALVESTON, Texas — Aggie cadets from the Texas A&M Maritime Academy pitched in to help move a giant sea turtle that’s being treated at the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research in Galveston.
The adult male loggerhead was rescued from the island’s west end after it was found stranded and sick. He’s spent the last few weeks recovering at the center’s rehabilitation hospital.
They said he is still too sick to move to the Houston Zoo to be checked out by veterinarians, so they sent a team to Galveston to do radiographs and bloodwork.
The next challenge was moving the 240-pound turtle for the treatment, so the Aggies pitched in to help. They moved him to a larger 12-foot tank for treatment and testing.
They got a shoutout from the grateful folks at the GCSTR.
“Safely transporting such a large and powerful animal is no small task, and thanks to the cadets’ strength and care, everything went smoothly,” GCSTR posted on Facebook. “We’re so grateful for the teamwork and dedication these cadets showed and can’t thank them enough!”
Loggerheads can weigh up to 400 pounds and live up to 80 years when healthy.
If you spot a stranded turtle, big or small, call the 1-866-TURTLE-5 hotline.
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