Today we held a mini press conference to share with our media friends information about LA-15 and how we at Audubon Nature Institute are caring for him and others. In my opinion, the event went swimmingly! Michele Kelley was a rock star, as always, but I think even she was a little overshadowed by the star power of LA-15.
The little turtle didn’t seem to let all the attention get to his little head and he kept his composure through it all.
I think after weeks of hearing about all the sea turtles, dolphins and whales and other animals that are affected by the oil spill, people in a way were finally happy to see one, but sad at the same time. I don’t think anyway wants to see any animal, big or small, harmed, but I’m sure there are those out there who will use LA-15 as evidence for personal agendas.
Michele was asked today how the oil spill made her feel personally and I think she answered the question very well. I think we can all admit that the oil spill is a disaster and a tragedy. It is a tragedy for the families of the 11 workers who died, for the fisherman who can not fish, for the restaurants which depend on the fisherman for supplies, for the nurseries and hatcheries of animals. We here at Audubon Nature Institute have to put our personal feelings aside and strictly focus on the care and well-being of the animals we care for. It doesn’t matter how they come to us or for whatever reason they need our assistance. Personal feelings and agendas are checked at the door.
LA-15 is a celebrity for his species. Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are the number one most critically endangered sea turtle with their numbers under 3,000 animals. Audubon Nature Institute is honored to be able to take care of LA-15 and any others that may come our way. Hopefully LA-15 will be a solo celebrity and we won’t see any other turtles affected by the oil spill.
What will tomorrow hold? We never know but we are ready for anything and everything. Until then:
"For in the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught."~Baba Dioum