Texas Sealife Center

For October, our featured species at Icefire Glassworks is Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, and our chosen organization is the Texas Sealife Center. Operating in Corpus Christi, Texas, this non-profit is dedicated to the rescue,  rehabilitation, and release of coastal and aquatic wildlife, including the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle. They are also dedicated to educating residents and tourists in the area, on the importance of our coastal habitats and ecosystems. The organization was formed due to a recognized need for additional wildlife support in South Texas and the growing number of animals that are admitted to wildlife centers in the U.S. annually. They rescue anywhere from 200-800 turtles a year depending on the weather, with about a 90% success rate. They are a totally volunteer-run and donation-based organization that relies on the support of people like you to continue our mission. The button below will take you to their site, where you can learn and donate.

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Beautiful limited-edition glass pieces by Kathleen Sheard, featuring the silhouette of a Kemp’s Ridley. 1/3 of the purchase price will benefit the Texas Sealife Center and the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle. Of all sea turtles, the Kemp’s Ridley is the smallest, and the most imperiled. We can ship anywhere.

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About the Kemp’s Ridley

Along with the Olive Ridley, these sea turtles are the only ones known to nest en masse. During the arribadas (Spanish for arrivals), tens of thousands of female turtles nest during the same short period each month. Although their non-nesting range extends up the Atlantic coast, they only build nests and lay eggs in a few spots in the Gulf of Mexico – some in Mexico and one in Texas. A bi-national effort is underway to protect the hatchlings, sometimes capturing them and allowing them to grow up a little before being released into the ocean. The link below links to a short YouTube clip, where Director of Rehabilitation Amanda Terry talks about the work of the Texas Sealife Center.

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Kemp's Ridley Turtle
Kemp's Ridley Turtle