Information About the ARK

MISSION

• Rescue and rehabilitate injured and ill animals and return them to the wild.

• Educate the public through Outreach Programs.

• Conduct and assist with research in conjunction with federal agencies to aid the sea turtles, marine mammals and birds.

• Raise public awareness through local projects and weekly newspaper articles to make the beaches and water safe and clean for the animals that rely on it for their existence. 

HISTORY

The ARK was started in the early 80's when, in the course of his research, oceanographer Tony Amos began to find injured sea turtles and aquatic birds on the beaches and in the local environment. 

In the beginning there were only a few animals a year, but the program has grown into an organization that handles about 600 animals each year and has become an important rehabilitation facility on the Texas Coast.

The ARK of today specializes in marine turtles and birds of the South Texas coast and is the only facility that goes to rescue many of the animals. Volunteers rescue and rehabilitate animals primarily from Mustang, North Padre Islands and nearby towns.

The ARK in Action!
ARK volunteers transporting Barbarella and Barnacle Bill, from an outside tank to an inside tank for more room.