Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (KBSTRRC) is nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles in North Carolina. They are authorized to by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Their nonprofit is focuses on the protection and conservation of all species of marine turtles, whether they are found on the beach or in the ocean. They accomplish their mission through rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured sea turtles; public education regarding the plight of sea turtles and the threat of their extinction; and learning opportunities for students of biology, wildlife conservation, and veterinary medicine from around the world.
This year is exciting because it is their 25th anniversary! KBSTRRC got their start in 1998 when Jean Beasley filed articles of incorporation with the state to legally establish the nonprofit. It would be named in memory of her daughter, Karen, and would include the existing Topsail Turtle Program and the new Sea Turtle Hospital. To date, they have protected over 2,627 sea turtle nests, treated over 1,288 sick or injured sea turtles, and educated hundreds of thousands of people about sea turtles and the importance of conserving them.
There are three main programs that KBSTRRC operates: the Topsail Turtle Project Nesting Program, the Sea Turtle Hospital, and an internship program. The Topsail Turtle Project surveys all 26 miles of the Topsail Island coastline each morning to identify sea turtle tracks and nests from May through August. Loggerhead sea turtles will nest 3 to 5 times within a nesting season, depositing ~120 eggs per visit. These eggs incubate for approximately 60 days before the hatchlings emerge from their shells to race to the sea. You can help their nesting program by Adopting a Nest today.
The mission of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is to conserve and protect all species of marine turtles, both in the water and on the beach.
KBSTRRC’s Work
The following are a couple highlights of the impactful work of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
The Sea Turtle Hospital provides rehabilitation services for sick and injured sea turtles. Most admitted turtles are from North Carolina, although occasionally they receive turtles that strand in other states such as Massachusetts. The three species of turtles they primarily care for are loggerheads, greens, and Kemp’s ridleys. The Sea Turtle Hospital is staffed primarily by volunteers organized into daily shifts.
Sea Turtle Hospital
Adopt a Turtle
You can sponsor your favorite resident at Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Each adoption comes with a 7x5 color photograph, a special 25th Anniversary Adoption Certificate, the story of the turtle’s rescue and rehabilitation and other gifts.
Turtle Talks
July 10 at 5pm - Soundside Park, Surf City
July 11 at 9am - Town Hall, North Topsail Beach
July 17 at 9am - Behind Assembly Building, Topsail Beach
July 17 at 5pm - Soundside Park, Surf City
July 18 at 9am - Town Hall, North Topsail Beach
Turtle Tracks Hike
July 11 at 8am - Town Hall, North Topsail Beach
Yoga Event
July 16 at 9am - Dream Finders Homes, Mimosa Bay, Sneads Ferry
25th Anniversary Benefit Galas
July 16 at 4pm - 302 Tortuga Lane, Surf City
25th Anniversary Events
Join us in supporting Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
75% of this month's donations will go towards this month's partner
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help KBSTRRC to provide high quality care to sea turtles through their rescue, rehabilitation and release programs.