Pat Cusack, HBTP Project Coordinator
Kathy Zagzebski, Executive Director of KBSTRRC
John Cifelli, President of HBTP Board of directors
Barb Taylor, HBTP Secretary
The Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program (also known as the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol) recently granted funds to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (KBSTRRC).
Sick or injured sea turtles found on local beaches are taken to this turtle hospital in Surf City, NC for care and rehabilitation. In 2024 the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol took six sea turtles to the hospital.
The $5000 grant will be used to upgrade the Sea Turtle Sick Bay. According to Kathy Zagzebski, Executive Director of the KBSTRRC, this grant “pushed them over the top and really made a difference” for this project. They will be installing a new filtration system and new tanks at the hospital.
The KBSTRRC is seeking additional donations to help support cold stunned turtles. Cold stun happens when ocean water cools too fast. This immobilizes the sea turtles making them unable to dive or swim effectively, causing them to be washed ashore or float at the surface. The affected turtles are more susceptible to predators and fatal injuries from boats.
The hospital is currently housing and rehabilitating 75 sea turtles that have been affected by sudden cold weather. Their first rescue of the year was admitted due to cold stun on January 1. They named it Buttercup.
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is not currently open for tours. Tours will begin again in March. Advance ticket sales are required through their website (www.seaturtlehospital.org).
The Holden Beach Turtle Patrol (HBTP} was founded in 1989 to monitor and protect the sea turtle population on Holden Beach. It is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that operates under the authority of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit25ST11).
HBTP is currently seeking new members for this year’s turtle season. For more information go to their website at hbturtlewatch.org or reach out to Pat Cusack, the Project Coordinator at [email protected]
Photo from left to right
Pat Cusack, HBTP Project Coordinator
Kathy Zagzebski, Executive Director of KBSTRRC
John Cifelli, President of HBTP Board of directors
Barb Taylor, HBTP Secretary
