What: A bruncheon fundraiser in Avalon to support injured sea turtles
When: Saturday, Feb. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: ICONA Avalon, 7849 Dune Dr.
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Located inside Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in northern New Jersey, there is a nonprofit rehabilitation hospital that handles all critically injured and ill sea turtles that wash ashore along the New Jersey coastline. Sea Turtle Recovery started rehabilitating sea turtles at the end of 2016 and have rehabilitated and released over 100 sea turtles since that time.
“Sea turtles were stranding in New Jersey with nowhere to go for long term care. They were rescued but then had to be transported out of the state for treatment. This transport sometimes proved fatal for turtles in critical condition.” Commented Brandi Biehl, Co-Executive Officer of STR.
The group has saved sea turtles with shark bite injuries, trash ingestion, lung infections and more since opening the hospital, and it doesn’t end!
“This December we received 17 new sea turtle patients at our hospital. These threatened and endangered species washed ashore cold stunned and barely clinging to life. This is our busy season, and we need everyone to help.” Commented Bill Deerr, Co-Executive Officer of STR.
Cold stunning occurs when sea turtles fail to migrate before ocean water and air temperatures drop dangerously low. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) works with Sea Turtle Recovery to retrieve the sea turtles and bring them to STR’s hospital. Sea Turtle Recovery also admits sea turtle patients from other states when their facilities reach capacity. It is a group effort that continues night and day.
You can help! Sea Turtle Recovery is having a Bruncheon at the ICONA in Avalon on February 24th. This fundraiser event will have videos and discuss more about STR’s efforts and the sea turtles they have saved. The proceeds from this event will support their efforts to save sick and injured sea turtles in our region. Tickets for the event are available at SeaTurtleRecovery.org.
The event will feature a gourmet catered brunch, live music, a large silent auction, and stories and videos of sea turtle recoveries.