Texas sea turtle was rescued after washing ashore.

An adult Kemp's ridley sea turtle washed ashore in Galveston on March 7 and was taken to the Houston Zoo in critical condition; conservation partners say she is receiving veterinary care. Separately, 27 Kemp's ridley turtles were released into the Gulf of Mexico after months of rehabilitation in Mississippi.

An adult female Kemp's ridley sea turtle washed ashore near Beach Pocket Park #3 in Galveston on March 7, 2026, and was reported to be lethargic and covered in barnacles, algae, and sediment. Responders with the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research transferred the animal to the Houston Zoo, where veterinary partners evaluated her before placement in a rehabilitation hospital. Officials described her condition as critical but said she is receiving veterinary care with the goal of releasing her back to the Gulf if she recovers. The Kemp's ridley is the official state sea turtle of Texas and is listed as endangered. Known details: - The turtle was found on March 7 on a Galveston beach and reported as lethargic with heavy epibiont buildup. - Rescuers transported her to the Houston Zoo and then to a rehabilitation facility; veterinarians report she is in critical condition. - Conservation partners said the goal, if she recovers, is to return her to the Gulf of Mexico where the species naturally lives. - Separately, 27 Kemp's ridley turtles were released in Mississippi on March 11 after nearly four months of rehabilitation following cold-stunning in the Cape Cod area. Summary: The rescued Kemp's ridley remains under intensive care and officials say survival is uncertain; if she improves, the intended next step is release back into the Gulf. The recent release of rehabilitated turtles underscores ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work for this endangered species.