Ecological Preservation Education Center

For the past 35 years Fernando Manzano (Papa Tortuga) has dedicated his life to rescuing Tortuga Loras (kemp’s ridley sea turtles). He is responsible for bringing their numbers up from only a few nesting females on the Tecolutla beaches in 1975 to over 600 (2011)! Continued effort is needed to fully restore the population of this endangered species to what it once was. Without such work, the number of kemp's ridley sea turtles will certainly decline.

The dream of the Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project (TTPP) is to build a permanent center dedicated to education and to the protection of these beautiful creatures.  The delicate ecosystems which exist around Tecolutla are regularly the focus of university research.  TTPP has committed to the purchase of a parcel of land just north of Fernando's current camp location.  It is envisioned that this land will serve as the location for construction of the ecological preservation education center.  The education center will be able to house individuals studying kemp's ridley sea turtles as well as other species found in the area.  

We are looking for corporate and/or private sponsors to help make this dream come true. Donations to the Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project will not only help with immediate financial needs, but will also build a foundation for the future!