SEA TURTLE INC. 2023
ANNUAL REPORT
CONTENTS
05
09
02
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
03
OUR NEW MISSION
04
REVENUE & EXPENSES
05
EDUCATION
06
CONSERVATION
07
ANIMAL CARE
08
APPLIED RESEARCH
09
OUR NEW HOSPITAL
11
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS
13
PARTNERSHIPS
14
COMMUNITY EVENTS
15
MEDIA & MARKETING
17
THANK YOU
11
13
6617 PADRE BLVD PO BOX 3987 SOUTH PADRE ISLAND TX 78597 956-761-4511
www.seaturtleinc.org
Staff directory board of directors listing
A WORD FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Future Focused
As we close out 2023, in many ways this year brought us back to our roots as an organization. This organization, at its core, is flexible, adaptive, and keenly focused on getting it done. Regardless of how many times we have to pivot or change plans. From construction to erecting the temporary hospital, to storm damage that destroyed our temporary facility and rebuilding the temporary facilities, to facing the second largest patient load in our history, this year has challenged us to remember the big picture, the overall plan. To be a worldwide force in sea turtle conservation. To support and contribute to a world with thriving sea turtle populations. From our leadership team to the staff to our volunteers and online community, we have felt support and encouragement as we navigated through the challenges of 2023. Sea Turtle, Inc. is building the largest fully enclosed sea turtle hospital in the world, with fully dedicated research facilities, CT room, cold stun room and intern quarters. The construction, continuing to take on patients, and conducting education programming while staying open to the public is challenging, at times frustrating, and requires constant adjustment. This is hard work, work no one else has ever done, but we are focused. We are an organization founded by volunteers who saw a need and acted on it; at our core that legacy still pulses through this organization. We are future focused, dedicated, and excited to see the worldwide impact that Sea Turtle, Inc. will make.
Wendy Knight
WENDY KNIGHT CEO
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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OUR NEW MISSION INTRODUCING OUR NEW MISSION & VISION STATEMENT As our organization continues to grow, so too does the need for our organization to raise the bar and extend our reach worldwide. In 2023, we challenged ourselves to look toward the future and how Sea Turtle, Inc. can become a worldwide leader in conservation. This resulted in an expansion of our mission, creation of a vision statement, and creation of a strategic roadmap to measure success against. Introducing our tiered mission and our vision for the future:
OUR VISION A world with thriving sea turtle populations.
OUR MISSION From South Padre Island, Texas to the world, Sea Turtle, Inc. protects sea turtles through conservation, medical care, applied research, and education.
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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REVENUE & EXPENSES BREAKDOWN
Revenue Admissions Donations Education
Revenue Breakdown
Fundraising Gift Shop
Capital Campaign raised $303,627.57 toward our construction project in 2023
Grants Membership Capital Campaign
Conservation Education Administrative
Expense Breakdown
Rehabilitation
Advertising & Development Operational Expenses Professional Services Programs
Program Expense Breakdown
86% of all expenses are program related
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
2023 was a year of growth for the Education Department. We have diligently worked to secure grant funding and develop partnerships to continue to provide quality science education programs that support our mission to the community. We have fostered community relationships and expanded the reach of our outreach programs. As we look toward the coming year, we are excited about the new opportunities on the horizon. - Hannah, Director of Education
Education
167,279 Visitors came to our facility
6,723 Students educated through outreach programs
SENSORY FRIENDLY FAMILY NIGHT Sea Turtle, Inc. was able to offer its first Sensory Friendly Family Night in Fall 2023. This program provided us with the opportunity to create a unique educational experience for our guests with sensory needs. We are excited to expand this program in 2024 and continue to make science education accessible to people of all backgrounds!
ACCESSIBILITY AND DIVERSITY IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INITIATIVE Through a developing partnership with H-E-B, Sea Turtle, Inc. was able to continue our Accessibility and Diversity in Environmental Education Initiative. This Initiative provides free, in person programming to select Title I Schools within the Rio Grande Valley. Bilingual programs are available for selection and are aligned with TEKS.
10,637 Students educated with Sea Turtle, Inc. onsite programs
2,041 Students taught through virtual learning programs
Education programs taught across 15 states & Canada! SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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This season wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless dedication of our staff, interns, and volunteers. This year we increased our efforts in miles and hours patrolled! A testament to our volunteer’s efforts and the improved training, relationships, and rigor around nesting season. - Dr. Amy, Chief Conservation Officer
Conservation
SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON RECORD BREAKING
8,264
Hatchlings released
May 28, 2023 was our largest nesting day ever on record with 18 nests laid!
5,068 Patrol Hours
GREEN SEA TURTLES IN SOUTH TEXAS 2023 was our largest nesting year for greens ever on record at 17 nests!
45,762
Miles patrolled
99
Nests protected
9,818 Eggs protected
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Watch our first nest of the 2023 season hatch
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
2023 was a great test of adaptability for our medical care department. Despite our downsized temporary hospital setup we saw the second largest number of patients in our history with 83 patients, conducted new treatment methods, and a large number of surgeries! We are excited to bring our best in class medical care team into a best in class new hospital in 2024! We are grateful for all the love and support. - Chris, Director of Animal Care
Animal Care
SIU was a complex patient who came to us in a critical condition with severe entanglement wounds, pneumonia & fibropaplomatosis. After a long recovery, SIU was released December 18.
Fou
nd
63 patients released
PATIENT SUCCESS STORY
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9/
25
/2 3
Turtle patients 83 Sea admitted to the hospital
surgeries 11 Life-saving performed Wo d
Remembering Allison
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In 2023 we lost one of our most beloved residents Allison. During her 18 years at Sea Turtle, Inc. Allison touched the lives of millions as an ambassador for sea turtles. Her story inspired visitors worldwide and she was a pioneer for animals with a prosthesis. She was known for her feisty attitude and determination, who loved her lettuce and green bell peppers.
Allison was an unbelievable example of overcoming obstacles in life. We are truly grateful for the love and support she received over the years, and she will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Watch Allison’s entire three-part series here SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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As we prepare for the opening of the largest fully enclosed sea turtle hospital in the world, we are excited to have added applied research to our mission statement. Dr. Bonka and her staff are engaged and ready to have worldwide impact on the research around how to create thriving sea turtle populations. - Wendy Knight, CEO
Applied Research MARINE DEBRIS SURVEY Sea Turtle, Inc. is a participating partner in the NOAA marine debris survey. This program aims to gather data about the trash found on beaches across the United States, to help NOAA monitor what types of debris is found in different coastal environments. Information collected is recorded in a database to aid national and international research, helping us understand the long-term impact trash and debris has on our oceans.
LEATHERBACK HATCHLINGS This is the first record of a leatherback nesting on South Padre Island, and the first successful hatching of leatherback eggs and release of live hatchlings into Texas waters since the 1930s. The Gulf of Mexico is an important feeding area for leatherbacks, so we may see additional nesting by leatherbacks in the future.
Read our published research Leatherback Sea Turtle Reproduction
Southernmost Nesting of Loggerhead Sea Turtles
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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BREAKING GROUND: HONORING THE PAST AND LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
Watch the demolition process here
In a momentous occasion, Sea Turtle, Inc. celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for our state-of-the-art hospital, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to expanding resources for sea turtle conservation in South Texas. The new hospital, equipped with cutting-edge equipment and technology, is poised to elevate our capacity to carry out our four-tiered mission of conservation, education, animal care and applied research.
The special event brought together staff, volunteers, community members and Sea Turtle, Inc. alumni in a day that not only recognized our rich history in the Rio Grande Valley, but celebrated the future possibilities and opportunities for growth as an organization.
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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COMING 2024 Our capital campaign is underway! To help us offset costs of new construction, donate to our capital campaign here.
Octob er 20 2
Over the past 12 months, the world’s largest enclosed sea turtle hospital has been steadily taking shape, bringing to life a dream that’s been 10 years in the making. Our original timeline has been challenged and construction is now expected to finish early to mid 2024. This has put quite the challenge on our temporary facility but we are striving ahead and maintain our paitent load as construction moves on.
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THE WORLD’S LARGEST FULLY ENCLOSED SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL
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See the construction progress over 2023
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Our temporary hospital
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS
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VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTION Volunteers are the backbone of Sea Turtle, Inc. They provide us with crucial, mission driven assistance within all aspects of our organization. In December 2023, we honored our volunteers. Our Volunteer Appreciation Event, coordinated by Anai Garcia, highlighted the commitment and passion that our volunteers have for sea turtle conservation. We appreciate each and every one of you!
“Volunteering, giving back, is an essential part of life. That being said, volunteering at STI is more fulfilling than I ever imagined. It keeps me connected to all kinds of people. I've learned so much, and love sharing that knowledge with our guests and with other volunteers. I enjoy being challenged by the questions I don't know the answers to. Those that I must ask others, or research when I get home. I love the camaraderie shared between the staff and volunteers. Volunteering at STI also gives me a sense of belonging, that I am needed and wanted, that I, and what I think and do matters!” -Susan Enloe, volunteer
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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This was a record breaking year for volunteer hours and active volunteers. Volunteers are the backbone and foundation of the organization. Celebrating our volunteers and our community support is the highlight of our year! - Wendy, Chief Executive Officer
INTERNS In collaboration with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Sea Turtle, Inc. has created an internship opportunity for students with a specific focus in marine biology. This internship provides students with the opportunity to develop real world experience within the field of environmental education and sea turtle conservation. Students are expected to complete 100 hours onsite in an educational capacity and actively engage the local community in aspects of sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation.
Since its inception in 2022, Sea Turtle, Inc. has hosted 15 students within our organization. Some of these students have gone on to pursue graduate degrees in a related field of study or have pursued research projects involving Fibropapillomatosis. We are incredibly proud of these students and the impact they have had within the local community. They are paving the way for future generations of ocean stewards!
Thank you to the following volunteers for donating more than 100 Hours in 2023 Susan Coleman Annelle Faz Angelika Garza Cean Hartlebean John Spreen
Avantika D’Cruz Greg Fink Emy Gomez Betsy Hosick
Susan Enloe Nayeli Garcia Nicki Graham Linda Montgomery
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Holsen Moore Hayla Munoz Linda Pelli Lori Rolek
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PARTNERSHIPS DALLAS ZOO This year we launched a professional development program with the Dallas Zoo. This exciting initiative brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to develop skills through an employee swap program. Spending time with different departments, staff can bring back and implement their knowledge at their respective organizations, helping further conservation initiatives in Texas.
SEA TURTLE RESCUE STORYTELLING WORKSHOP Wildlife photographer of the year (2022), Karine Aigner, partners with Sea Turtle, Inc. to run an annual photography workshop. A small group of budding photographers capture the excitement of nesting and hatchling season as it unfolds, building the next generation of environmental storytellers and conservation advocates.
GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY We were awarded $145,000 in grant funding from Green Mountain Energy to install a new UV water purification and silo system. Utilizing UV sterilizers, we now have the ability to safely clean more than 250,000 gallons of recycled water from the Laguna Madre bay, giving our hospital patients the best quality care.
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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Community is the heart of our organization. We have been invigorated with community support through special events, mission-driven fundraisers, and outreach opportunities. - Sanjuana, Director of Marketing and Development
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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OUTREACHES
18 EVENTS
2 CONCERTS
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BEACH CLEAN UPS
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1 of 5 finalists selected in North America for the Defender Service awards!
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6.6K
New followers
Scan to listen
RESIDENT PLAYLISTS We launched new interactive elements to our resident center. Guests can now scan QR codes from each resident and listen to a playlist that represents their personality.
SEA TURTLE INC. | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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MEDIA & MARKETING
We have been covered by national and worldwide media partnerships this year that have expanded communications across the board. Solidifying and executing the marketing and development foundation is the name of the game. With the new sea turtle hospital on the horizon, the impact of Sea Turtle, Inc. is endless!
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As we continued to foster our online community in 2023, it was a big year for fundraising and campaigns. It was a steady growth across our social media platforms. We can’t wait for great things to come in development for 2024! - Sanjuana, Director of Marketing and Development
Watch as we release 5 of our patients into the Laguna Madre bay!
1.1
million video views
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1500 POSTS
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LIVE STREAMS
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IN MEMORY OF ALLISON
View preview show here
TOP GIFTS OF 2023 Watch our 2023 conservation recap!
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Thank You Thank you for all your support in 2023. We’re looking forward to an exciting year and big things in 2024!
Connect with us online to get the latest news and inside scutes!
www.seaturtleinc.org
https://www.facebook.com/SeaTurtleConservation/
https://www.instagram.com/seaturtleinctx/
https://twitter.com/SeaTurtleInc
https://www.tiktok.com/@seaturtleinc?lang=en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sea-turtle-inc-
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