Every kind of sea turtle is at risk of extinction because of over-hunting and pollution. Wildlife Trust scientists are monitoring the sea turtle in oceans around the world. As a result, they've discovered an alarming increase in fibropapilloma tumors, pre-cancerous growths that can kill turtles by preventing them from eating. One cause of the tumors may be increased levels of water pollution.

Wildlife Trust is continuously monitoring emerging diseases in sea turtles and marine mammals in selected marine environments, and pioneering the use of their findings so that this particular species can serve as sentinels reflecting the health of marine ecosystems. Their research provides objective data on which governments and watchdog agencies can base decisions on where to target pollution reduction strategies.

Gift Donations to Benefit Wildlife Trust

$20 Donation Small Oaxacan Sea Turtle These brightly painted carvings display the artisans’ willingness to imagine a world vivid and bright and quite different than their own. These simple sea turtles by Gabriela Valasquez make festive holiday ornaments and mobiles. Sea turtles are approximately 3 1/2 “w x 4”l.

$35 Donation Huichol Beaded Turtle Egg This Huichol sea turtle egg is a symbol of environmental awareness and cultural empathy. Though poor, the Huichol Indians preserve their culture through this marvelous art that is internationally recognized and prized by collectors. Turtle egg hangs 2 1/2”h x 2 w”.

$150 Donation Huichol Beaded Sea Turtle Religion and magic permeate all of life for the Huichol Indians. Art is an extension of their religion. It is not made for decoration but to give profound expression to concepts of spiritual beliefs. The Sea Turtle is hand carved and beaded by Huichol Indians using beeswax, glass beads and yarn and is approximately 6“ l x 4”w.

NOTE: Click art photos for larger view.