An update on Porkchop, the green sea turtle
The public can now see rescued green sea turtles at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach thanks to a newly built area dedicated to their rehabilitation. And for now, that includes the famous three-flippered turtle Porkchop.
Topline:
The public can now see rescued green sea turtles at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach thanks to a newly built area dedicated to their rehabilitation. And for now, that includes the famous three-flippered turtle Porkchop.
The background: The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach isn’t just a major attraction for tourists and locals — it’s also a sea turtle rescue, endangered shark breeder, a frog nursery and more. The aquarium has long supported conservation efforts across the Pacific Ocean.
New sea turtle rescue: A new rehabilitation tank will allow the public to view green sea turtles rescued from L.A. County and beyond. The aquarium is one of two facilities in Southern California with the capacity to do such rehab for these turtles (the other being SeaWorld). Much of this work has been done out of the public’s view. The aquarium has rescued, rehabilitated and released local green sea turtles since 2000 — the most they’ve rehabbed in a year is 16, said lead veterinarian Dr. Lance Adams.
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This green sea turtle, nicknamed Porkchop, had to have her flipper amputated after being rescued by aquarium staff from a tangle of fishing line in the San Gabriel River.
Porkchop, turtle ambassador: The aquarium’s first ambassador is an endearing three-flippered turtle that staff dubbed Porkchop (for her hefty appetite). She was rescued from the San Gabriel River last March after volunteers spotted her tangled in fishing line and caught on debris. One of her flippers had to be amputated, and a hook was removed from her throat, but she continues to recover well and staff members hope she can be released into the wild soon.
Go deeper: Meet Porkchop, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s rescued green sea turtle