Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey George.
Jeffrey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a young child growing up near Pittsburgh, PA, I was fascinated with the oceans but never had the opportunity to foster this interest. Upon moving to South Padre Island some 30 years later, I was given the opportunity to volunteer with Sea Turtle, Inc. and the world famous Ila Loetscher (the Turtle Lady of South Padre Island) By volunteering with my young children, I was exposed to sea turtle conservation and rehab first hand. After the passing of our founder in 2000, I was hired to be the director for Sea Turtle, Inc., a position which I hold today.
Sea Turtle, Inc. was founded by volunteers in 1977 and continues to grow thanks to many dedicated volunteers and, now, staff members. We are just about complete on a $6 million dollar expansion project that will make Texas the proud home of the world’s largest sea turtle facility. We have risen to this monumental position because our staff, myself, and all our volunteers display one common trait: Passion for our oceans and sea turtles.
Has it been a smooth road?
Non-profit organizations are often faced with challenges. I believe the two most common are financial and awareness of your cause. Sea Turtle, Inc. has always been blessed with the financial support of the South Padre Island tourist and local population. (We receive no financial support of governments or universities) Our community and staff have also done an excellent job of getting our message out beyond the Rio Grande Valley.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sea Turtle, Incorporated – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Sea Turtle, Inc. was founded in November of 1977 with a three part mission: Rehabilitate injured sea turtles for return to the wild, educate the public about sea turtles and their marine environment, and assist with conservation programs for all marine turtle species. Through eleven months in 2017, we have treated over 260 injured sea turtles, greeted over 140,000 visitors to our center and reached hundreds of thousands more through social media and other forms of media, and protected nearly 10,000 sea turtle eggs on South Padre Island.
I believe that what Sea Turtle, Inc. does best is in our educational programs. We take the time to provide educational programs for each visitor or school group and, now, thousands of school children through “virtual field trips”.
What separates Sea Turtle, Inc. from any other standalone sea turtle conservation group in the world is that we also fund international sea turtle conservation programs. Many zoos and aquariums or international conservation groups fund international sea turtle conservation but we are the only organization dedicated solely to sea turtles that also funds these programs. Sea turtles are a global population traveling thousands of miles in their life and, therefore, conservation must be a global effort.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Texas is a diverse culture and Sea Turtle, Inc. is proud to be a part of the South Padre Island, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, and Texas community. We are proud to be bringing a world class facility to our state.
Pricing:
- Adults: $6, Children (5-17) $4, Seniors/Military $5. (August 16—May 31)
- Adults: $10. Children (5-17) $4. Seniors/Military $5. (June 1—August 15)
- Family Memberships starting at $50.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6617 Padre Blvd
South Padre Island, TX 78597 - Website: www.seaturtleinc.org
- Phone: 9567614511
- Email: seaturtleinc@gmail.com
- Instagram: seaturtleinctx
- Facebook: sea turtle inc conservation
- Twitter: seaturtleinctx
Image Credit:
Sea Turtle, Inc.
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