A new sea turtle rehabilitation area is now open at the Aquarium of the Pacific. For the first time, visitors to the Aquarium will be able to see rescued sea turtles as they go through rehabilitation with the goal of release to the wild. The new space doubles the non-profit’s capacity for caring for stranded, sick, or injured sea turtles, so they have a chance to heal and return to their natural habitats. The Aquarium is currently one of only two facilities in Southern California that have dedicated spaces to rehabilitate sea turtles. “We are looking forward to utilizing this new area to expand our care of rescued sea turtles, while encouraging the public to learn more about them and their conservation,” said Dr. Lance Adams, Aquarium of the Pacific veterinarian.
The space includes an approximately 4,000-gallon rehabilitation pool to accommodate rescued sea turtles found in Los Angeles County and beyond. It also includes audio visual displays where Aquarium guests can learn more about the Aquarium’s efforts in helping rescued sea turtles. The Aquarium of the Pacific announced in October 2024 that it received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to construct this on-site sea turtle rehabilitation area near its Molina Animal Care Center. The Aquarium also received contributions from the Molina Family Foundation and the KM Shimano Family Foundation for this new space to help rescued sea turtles.
“We are grateful for the support we have received to make this new sea turtle rehabilitation area become a reality. We hope that our visitors will continue to be inspired to become stewards of our environment as they see rescued sea turtles undergo care here and learn more about these amazing animals that inhabit our local waters and beyond,” said Jeff Flocken, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO.
In addition to providing care for the sea turtles, Aquarium of the Pacific volunteers track local sea turtle activity through the Southern California Sea Turtle Monitoring community science program. The program is in partnership with the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, Tidal Influence, and NOAA Fisheries conservation and wildlife management groups. Photo identification and recorded data from the Aquarium’s community scientist volunteers contributes to the understanding of sea turtles in our local waters, and how we can help them and other species along our coastline. Data from this project can be viewed through the Aquarium’s Marine Species Report Card.
The Aquarium of the Pacific has rehabilitated and released rescued sea turtles since 2000. Some have been fitted with satellite tracking devices that allowed scientists to gather data about their migration patterns and habitats. The Aquarium recently rehabilitated and released a green sea turtle in September 2025 and is currently caring for two rescued green sea turtles with the goal of release to the wild. All species of sea turtles found in waters of the United States are listed as either endangered or threatened and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. If you see a stranded sea turtle in the San Gabriel River or elsewhere, please call the West Coast Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network’s 24/7 hotline at 562-506-4315.
Since every rescued sea turtle has a story of survival, the public is invited to help write the next chapter. You can support sea turtle rehabilitation efforts and make an impact for these endangered creatures that will last generations by donating to the rescue to release campaign.
The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place dedicated to connecting people to and conserving nature. The Aquarium’s vision is to foster an inclusive community that works together to create our sustainable future. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Our Living Coastline, the Southern California Gallery, Pacific Visions, and Shark Lagoon. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring a variety of guest speakers.
The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for twelve months and other special benefits. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit the donation webpage. To visit, reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.