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Help Save Meatloaf: Injured Sea Turtle's Fight for Recovery
9 Apr
Summary
- A 200-pound sea turtle named Meatloaf was rescued from the San Gabriel River.
- Meatloaf was found entangled in fishing line, severely damaging her flipper.
- The Aquarium of the Pacific is seeking public donations for Meatloaf's medical care.
A large green sea turtle, nicknamed Meatloaf, is the focus of a new rehabilitation effort at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Weighing over 200 pounds, Meatloaf was discovered on January 14, 2026, entangled in fishing line and debris within the San Gabriel River.
Rescued by NOAA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel, she was transferred to the aquarium due to their expertise in treating stranded sea turtles. The entanglement severely damaged her front flipper, necessitating surgery and ongoing care. Early signs indicate promising healing, according to veterinary services.
The aquarium's new sea turtle rehabilitation area, opened in January 2026, has doubled its capacity for such cases. Visitors can now view Meatloaf as she recovers, learning about rescue efforts through an accompanying display. Donations are crucial to support her specialized medical treatment and the rehabilitation of future rescued sea turtles.
