Meet MEATLOAF! 🐢
Meatloaf is our newest rescued green sea turtle and is now viewable in our new sea turtle rehabilitation area. At over 200 pounds, she is one of the largest sea turtles we have cared for.
Meatloaf was rescued from the San Gabriel River on January 14 after being spotted by our Sea Turtle Monitoring community science volunteers. She was entangled in fishing line and rope, and was transferred to the Aquarium for medical evaluation and care because of the Aquarium’s expertise in treating and releasing stranded and injured sea turtles.
“The entangled line severely damaged a front flipper, cutting off blood supply. We have been doing all we can, including surgery to try and save the flipper. It is showing some early promising signs of healing.” Dr. Lance Adams, Director of Veterinary Services
The Aquarium is currently one of only two facilities in Southern California that have dedicated spaces to rehabilitate sea turtles. Porkchop, the first rescued sea turtle to use the new area, was released into the wild in February and has since been spotted with other sea turtles. The Aquarium hopes that Meatloaf will be able to do the same. Stay tuned for updates on Miss Meatloaf!
Visitors to the Aquarium of the Pacific will be able to see Meatloaf in the new sea turtle rehabilitation area starting on April 8, 2026
