NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The Aquarium of Niagara recently had some exciting news to share.
The aquarium on Friday introduced the community to both a newly rescued 9-year-old endangered sea turtle, and the unveiling of their $175,000 exhibit renovation.
Squirt, the non-releasable Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, was found floating in the Peace River in Punta Gorda, Fla., in 2015. He had been deemed non-releasable due to wounds consistent with what they assume was a boat strike.
The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium that found Squirt determined that the jaw and eye injuries faced would not allow him to forage or eat live prey had he been released back into the wild. Mote has since then cared for Squirt for the last eight years, but now as he grows into his adult life, he needs a bigger space to live.
That is when the Aquarium of Niagara came into play to help the turtle out. Squirt's story of recovery inspired the aquarium, and it felt like having him a part of their family would inspire guests and create connections while visiting.
“When guests make authentic connections with our animal ambassadors, they are more likely to care about those animals’ wild counterparts,” said Gary Siddall, the president and CEO of Aquarium of Niagara.
“We’ve found that animals whose stories illustrate challenges they faced in their natural environment are most compelling for our visitors. With the support of powerful interpretive content and educational presentations, visitors become equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to take conservation action on their behalf.”
In preparation for Squirt's arrival, the aquarium spent $175,000 to make the tank for the turtle into a better up to date long-term care facility. Kemp's Ridley turtles are federally protected under the endangered species act, and this project was a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“It is our privilege to partner with the Aquarium of Niagara to house non-releasable sea turtles,” said Karen Frutchey, the Southeast sea turtle coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “This sea turtle will serve as an ambassador animal to inspire and encourage millions of visitors to the Aquarium of Niagara to conserve sea turtle populations globally.
Squirt was transported to the Aquarium via a non-profit organization called Turtles Fly Too.
“Though Squirt's condition doesn't allow for release back into the wild, it's good that this Kemp's Ridley will be able to live out its life bringing awareness to all at the Aquarium of Niagara,” said Leslie Weinstein, president, Turtles Fly Too. “Education on conservation is important, and Squirt being one of the most endangered sea turtles in the world, is a good ambassador.
The project took over a year of planning to complete, and now people are encouraged to come meet Squirt during the Aquarium's operating hours which happen daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To learn more visit aquariumofniagara.org