Pilots Give 230-Pound Sea Turtle a Ride to its New Home

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 08:59 PM ET

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The turtle’s crate was loaded into the Pilatus PC-12NG, thanks to the aircraft’s four-and-a-half-foot wide cargo door. Courtesy: Turtles Fly Too/David W. Hartman

Key Takeaways:

Volunteer pilots Al and Susan Simmons airlifted a 230-pound injured sea turtle named Matthew 1,039 miles from Florida to Texas, a journey necessary due to his inability to withstand overland travel.
This critical transport was facilitated by "Turtles Fly Too," a nonprofit organization that connects volunteer pilots and aircraft to move endangered species.
Loading Matthew's 340-pound crate was the most challenging part, but the Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft successfully transported him while maintaining specific temperature and handling protocols.
Founded in 2014, Turtles Fly Too has utilized over 380 volunteer pilots to transport more than 4,000 animals, and continues to seek more volunteers and donations for its conservation mission.