Meatloaf the Green Sea Turtle: A Journey of Rescue and Rehabilitation

Meatloaf, a green sea turtle weighing over 200 pounds, was rescued from the San Gabriel River in California on January 14, 2023. She was found entangled in fishing line and rope, which severely damaged her front flipper by cutting off its blood supply. The rescue was conducted by the Aquarium of the Pacific in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), following a report from community science volunteers involved in the aquarium’s Sea Turtle Monitoring Project. After her rescue, Meatloaf was transferred to the aquarium for emergency medical care and has since been housed in a newly opened rehabilitation area designed specifically for injured sea turtles.

People MagazineGood Good GoodMeet Meatloaf: The 200-Pound Green Sea Turtle Debuting At The Aquarium Of The Pacific After A Miraculous Recovery

Dr. Lance Adams, the aquarium's Director of Veterinary Services, has indicated that Meatloaf has undergone several surgeries to address the damage to her flipper, which is currently swollen due to fluid buildup. The aquarium plans to keep her for at least six more months for ongoing treatment, which includes redressing her wounds and further surgeries as needed. The facility is actively raising $50,000 to support Meatloaf's medical care and rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of public contributions to their Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Program.

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The Aquarium of the Pacific plays a crucial role in marine animal rescue and rehabilitation in Southern California, being one of only two facilities in the region with dedicated spaces for treating injured sea turtles. The new rehabilitation area features a 4,000-gallon pool specifically designed for the recovery of stranded turtles. Since 2000, the aquarium has been involved in caring for various sea turtle species, including green, olive ridley, and loggerhead turtles.

People MagazineMeet Meatloaf: The 200-Pound Green Sea Turtle Debuting At The Aquarium Of The Pacific After A Miraculous RecoveryGood Good Good

The aquarium encourages public involvement in conservation efforts, urging individuals to report stranded sea turtles to the West Coast Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network hotline rather than intervening directly. This approach ensures that trained professionals can handle rescues safely and effectively.

Meet Meatloaf: The 200-Pound Green Sea Turtle Debuting At The Aquarium Of The Pacific After A Miraculous Recovery

As Meatloaf continues her recovery, the aquarium remains hopeful for her eventual release back into the wild, similar to Porkchop, another green sea turtle that was successfully rehabilitated and released in February 2023. The aquarium's ongoing efforts highlight the critical need for marine conservation and the impact of community support in rescuing and rehabilitating endangered species.

People MagazineMeet Meatloaf: The 200-Pound Green Sea Turtle Debuting At The Aquarium Of The Pacific After A Miraculous RecoveryGood Good Good

The Aquarium of the Pacific has expressed gratitude for the public's support in their rehabilitation efforts, stating, “The aquarium is currently one of only two facilities in Southern California that have dedicated spaces to rehabilitate sea turtles.” They emphasize the importance of donations for ongoing care and the successful rehabilitation of turtles like Meatloaf.

Meet Meatloaf: The 200-Pound Green Sea Turtle Debuting At The Aquarium Of The Pacific After A Miraculous RecoveryPeople MagazineGood Good Good

• “We have been doing all we can, including surgery to try and save the flipper. It is showing some early promising signs of healing.” — Dr. Lance Adams, Director of Veterinary Services, Aquarium of the Pacific.

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• “The aquarium hopes that Meatloaf will be able to do the same.” — Aquarium of the Pacific staff regarding Meatloaf's potential release.

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