VLM's Tues. Donations Will Go to Sea Turtle Rescue

By WYDaily Staff Monday, June 07, 2010

In recognition of World Oceans Day this Tuesday, June 8, the Virginia Living Museum will designate all of the funds collected in the VLM Donation Box that day to help rescue sea turtles threatened by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

“On this World Oceans Day there is no more critical conservation crisis than what is happening in the gulf,” said VLM Executive Director Page Hayhurst. “Our sister AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) organizations are coordinating a rescue program for sea turtles that we would like to highlight by encouraging contributions to their efforts.”

A blog by the Sea Turtle Restoration project on June 2 reported that at least 222 sea turtles have died in the wake of the catastrophic oil spill, and dozens more are being rescued and rehabilitated daily. Concrete evidence of massive underwater oil plumes from two universities mean an even greater threat to all sea turtles from oil in the gulf.

About 26 sea turtles are being treated at the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, which is coordinating rescue efforts in the gulf for sea turtles and marine mammals.

The world's oceans, which cover 70 percent of the Earth's surface, have been in the news even before the oil spill. Pollution, habitat damage, overfishing, coral reef bleaching and species loss were all issues before the BP disaster, and the AZA invites the public to dive in to ocean conservation issues this Tuesday.

“AZA-accredited aquariums are actively engaging millions of people in ocean issues and making conservation action attainable for families everywhere,” said AZA Senior Vice President for Conservation & Education, Dr. Paul Boyle. “Aquariums and zoos are unmatched in allowing families to connect with wildlife, learn about nature, and become involved in protecting our oceans for the future.”

The loggerhead sea turtle is one of the most popular animals exhibited by the Virginia Living Museum. The turtle currently on exhibit was rescued near Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2004 when she was just a few days old.

The Virginia Living Museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 757-595-1900 or visit online for more information.