Squirt, a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, is the centerpiece of a new exhibit at the Aquarium of Niagara. He has permanent injuries caused by a boat propeller and is considered unreleasable and endangered. In his new home, Squirt will be a conservation ambassador to help educate guests about how human actions can both help and hurt wildlife. (Photos by Karen Carr Keefe)
Wed, Nov 22nd 2023 09:25 pm
Submitted
The Aquarium of Niagara has a new ambassador: Squirt the sea turtle. He’s the centerpiece of a new exhibit that features sea animals who’ve been rescued and are considered non-releasable.
Squirt is a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the smallest and most endangered species of sea turtle.
The story of his survival is both inspirational and an example of a partnership between humans and animals in the wild. The Aquarium of Niagara staff is part of the team that saved Squirt and gave him a new home where he can thrive.
The sea turtle has permanent injuries that were caused by a boat propeller. The Aquarium staff is counting on Squirt to help educate guests about how human actions can both help and hurt wildlife.
For the exhibit unveiling Nov. 17, Aquarium President and CEO Gary Siddall welcomed officials from the city, county and state and energy company NOCO, all of whom helped sponsor Squirt’s journey to a safe environment.
A press release said, “The Aquarium of Niagara is committed to providing a forever home to non-releasable animals who would be unable to survive…
