HEALING AT THE SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL

KBSTRRC is the result of a powerful community vision and a family’s lasting legacy. What began as the Topsail Turtle Project, founded by Karen Beasley to protect sea turtle nests and hatchlings along the 26-mile stretch of Topsail Island, has grown into a full-fledged rescue and rehab facility dedicated to the care and conservation of sea turtles. With the help of devoted volunteers, donors, and supporters, the center officially opened its 13,000+ square-foot facility in 2013 — a major upgrade from the modest 900-square-foot space where they once cared for up to 40 turtles at a time. Today, the Center continues to inspire and educate visitors while providing lifesaving care to some of the ocean’s most vulnerable creatures. Each year injured or sick turtles—often victims of boat strikes, cold-stunning, or entanglement—are brought to the center for medical treatment and rehabilitation. Once healed, they’re released back into the ocean, sometimes to the cheers of hundreds of beachgoers who gather to watch the joyous moment.
    The KBSTRRC relies on the steadfast support of the public to care for the sea turtles. From financial contributions to Amazon Wish List items and volunteer hours, it all makes a difference.
    Visitors to the island are encouraged to book a tour of the hospital (a must-do with kids!) and learn more about how to protect turtles in the wild, especially during nesting season.
    One visitor commented, “Just a wonderful one-of-a-kind experience! The kids loved seeing the turtles, and it was highly educational and informative—a perfect activity for a rainy afternoon at the beach.”