Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) are announcing the distribution of the first wave of awards – a total of more than $1.6 million – under the Endangered Species COVID-19 Relief program, funded by the American Rescue Plan.

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center was one of 21 selected sites to receive funds for expenses such as food, veterinary care, medicine, direct animal/plant care staff time, life support systems, transport for medical, reintroduction into the wild and captive breeding purposes, real property debt, holding space improvements and modifications, and utilities essential for the care of species. 

The sea turtle hospital will receive  $100,703.

During the pandemic, when all venues including aquariums and museums were closed, there were no paid admissions - fees which the sea turtle hospital uses to feed and care for injured and endangered sea turtles. 

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Congress recognized the dedication of zoos, aquariums, botanic gardens, and other facilities across the nation in helping save animals and plants from extinction by appropriating $30 million to reimburse expenses related to the care of captive species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as well as rescued and confiscated wildlife that are at risk of extinction.

“The Service is pleased to work with longtime partner AZA to reimburse plant and animal care facilities in this first distribution of critical American Rescue Plan funding,” said Service Director Martha Williams. “We are confident these funds will be used effectively to continue these institutions’ high-quality efforts to protect the nation’s imperiled species.”

“As we reviewed the applications for this funding, it was clear that despite the pandemic, zoos, aquariums, and other facilities continued to provide extraordinary care for federally protected species and a critically important service to the agencies dedicated to endangered species recovery. That is why we are so grateful to partner with the Service to direct this funding to provide some relief to facilities who need it,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of AZA.

The facilities receiving reimbursement funds include:

• Alaska - Alaska Sea Life, $188,229
• Arizona - ACNC Phoenix Zoo, $196,530
• California - Aquarium of the Pacific, $50,855; Birch Aquarium, $110,190
• Colorado - Butterfly Pavilion, $1,738
• Connecticut - Sea Research Foundation, Mystic Aquarium, $44,642
• Florida - The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, $88,718
• Georgia - Chehaw Park & Zoo, $2,965; Georgia Aquarium, $97,811
• Kansas - Hutchinson Zoo $18,811
• Louisiana - Alexandria Zoological Park, $42,316
• Missouri - Friends of the Zoo Inc. of Kansas City, $158,760
• New York - New York Marine Rescue Center, $68,506
• North Carolina - Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue, $100,703; North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, $123,672; North Carolina Aquarium Pine Knoll Shores, $59,850
• Ohio - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, $20,206; Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, $142,296
• Pennsylvania - National Aviary, $87,141
• Texas - Gladys Porter Zoo, $12,605
• Virginia - Mill Mountain Zoo, $15,487