Kemp's Ridley sea turtles are considered one of the most critically endangered species in the world, with researchers estimating that fewer than 6,000 nesting females remain alive. Even a small disruption to their ecosystem and patterns could fundamentally disrupt their precarious populations, with deadly effects.
Which is why it's so exciting to see that Kemp's Ridley sea turtles actually seem to be
expanding their habitat right now!
We all need a feel-good story right now.
Let's celebrate this wildlife win and urge the U.S. federal government to invest more funding to protect endangered species like the Kemp's Ridley turtle!The rare turtle has primarily been observed nesting in Mexico and southern Texas. But this year, a park ranger saw something odd - a small being plodding along on a beach in
Mississippi. The ranger took a photograph of the animal, and when it appeared a miracle had occurred - an endangered sea turtle was on their beach! - researchers began investigating the area further.
What they discovered was astonishing: not only one Kemp's Ridley sea turtle was on their beach. But there were actually
three whole nests of these endangered turtles!
This surprise highlights opportunities that humans have to do the right thing, and help our animal neighbors and the natural world around us. Kemp's Ridley sea turtles aren't only endangered - they also face an uphill battle to survive infancy and reach adulthood. Out of every one thousand hatchlings, only around one will survive.
This means humans have a real opening here to help out these little creatures.
The National Park Service and U.S. federal government must invest in helping the Kemp's Ridley sea turtles thrive! Sign the petition!