Sea Turtle, Inc. was founded in 1977 by Ila Fox Loetscher, better known as "The Turtle Lady of South Padre Island." In 1999, Sea Turtle, Inc. moved from Ila's backyard into its current location at 6617 Padre Blvd.
Originally this organization was formed to aid in the protection and recovery of the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. Our mission has since expanded into three parts: Education, Rehabilitation, and Conservation.
Today, Sea Turtle, Inc is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit. The sole source of income is admission sales, gift shop sales, and public donations which are used to achieve the three missions. We do not receive any government funding.