Padre Island National Seashore announces public turtle hatchling release dates
A Kemps ridley sea turtle hatchling, one of 78 released near the Malaquite Visitors Center at Padre Island National Seashore, makes its way into the surf on Wednesday morning, June 7, 2017. Over 300 nests have been found on the Texas Gulf Coast this year.
Billy Calzada, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
Turtle hatchling releases are back on at Padre Island National Seashore this summer, but there are a few caveats in place according to officials.
According to the national park’s Facebook page, the plans are to host the releases at the Malaquite Visitor Center on July 10, 11, 23, and 24 and on August 4, 5, and 6. The popular events can only take place if the rate of COVID-19 transmission reaches low or moderate in the three counties – Nueces, Kenedy, and Kleberg – that surround PINS.
Currently, Kenedy is has a low level of community transmission, and Kleberg’s current seven-day average lingers at moderate. However, Nueces County is still listed as a substantial danger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Data Tracker.
RELATED: Public turtle hatchlings are still on hiatus at Padre Island National Seashore
Additionally, the events are no longer free. To attend, guests must pay a park entrance fee of $10. PINS suggest purchasing passes in advance to avoid waiting in a long line the day of the release. All can buy passes at recreation.gov.
If weather and the low rate of COVID-19 transmission permit it, the events will take place at 6:45 a.m. PINS is asking the community to keep checking its page for updates on the releases as the dates listed get closer.
In 2020, PINS canceled its public hatchling releases due to the coronavirus pandemic. The adorable events typically attract thousands of visitors to PINS every summer.
