CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Editor's note: Sunday's turtle release took place at mile 216, near Whitecap Beach, which is a city-owned beach.
The first sea turtle release of the year happened Sunday and, as always, thousands showed up.
Twelve turtles were released, both Kemp's ridley and green sea turtles. The release took place at Padre Island National Seashore.
More hospital space has opened up for future turtles that are expected to come year 'round. The Texas SeaLife Center takes pride in helping out other organizations in need.
Texas SeaLife veterinarian Tim Tristan said the number of loggerhead turtles washed up this year has decreased compared to last.
"This is really exciting; it is the first release of the year," he said. "The weather was good enough for us to be able to get out here, do what we needed to do and get these turtles back out to where they belong. It has been a long winter especially for these guys being in their hospital pools."
If you or someone you may know is interested in donating to help out the turtles their Facebook page Texas SeaLife Center.
The organization is completely volunteered run organization so every dollar goes to the sea turtles.
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