It has ben six weeks since we rescued four olive ridley turtles from the Pacific Ocean nearby Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. My siblings and I have worked hard to raise money to donate to a turtle foundation in Puerto Vallarta called Encampamento Tortuguero La Boca de Tomates. We chose this organization because it is located close to where our encounter occurred and local residents recommended it. We have raised almost $600 dollars so far and still have bracelets and earrings if you’re interested in joining our community of support! 100% of the money you donate will go to the “Turtle camp.” Thank you!
We made a video that people watched to learn the story about the trapped turtles. You can watch it here. We made earrings and bracelets from the long line that the turtles were tangled in and sold them to people who could help share the story.
Our primary goal was to help raise awareness about how fishing long lines can tangle boats and animals. We hope that the money donated to La Boca de Tomates will help new young turtles have a safe and healthy life. Fun fact: Olive ridley turtles can live up to 50 years old! We learned a lot about turtles from our experience that day when we rescued the 4 olive ridleys. We appreciated that they were calm when my mom was removing the line and hooks and so happy that they swam away safely and energetically.
I am also working to earn a Girl Scouts of America Bronze Award by creating a video capturing our encounter, making jewelry to sell, and sharing our story with the people that we meet. My team for the Bronze Award includes my two younger Girl Scout Brownie sisters, Aurora and Coral, and my twin brother, Forrest, who is a Boy Scout of America Webelo.
Maybe you can help the turtles and other sea creatures by sharing this story also?
Meet the Millers 