Aquarium Statement Regarding Nesting of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles on Southern California Beaches

September 23, 2026

September 23, 2026, Long Beach, California-The first-ever recorded nesting of olive ridley sea turtles in California is a significant event. It is not known why these turtles chose Southern California beaches as nesting sites, but it indicates an important historical change that could have long-term implications for the species and for local sea turtle management and protection. The behavior of these turtles was probably influenced, at least in part, by the incoming El Niño, along with, the recent tropical storm, range expansion, or perhaps navigational mistakes. The species is also known for its behavioral flexibility. Ultimately, they found beaches with the proper temperature and moisture conditions for egg laying in Southern California.

Olive ridleys are one of the smallest sea turtles. They live in the tropical and warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Mexico's Pacific coast arribada breeding populations are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and all others are listed as threatened. The closest large nesting beach is in the West Cape region of southern Baja up to Todos Santos. A few scattered nests may also occur near Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Baja coast. We are in the peak of the nesting season for olive ridleys in Mexico, with the season running from July to December. As very opportunistic and flexible foragers, they eat just about anything they can get and can live in a variety of habitat types, even the giant kelp forests in San Diego County. Because of their very flexible and adaptive life history, many believe they would be the most resilient to a changing climate out of all sea turtles.

"As animals adapt in unexpected ways to changes in their natural world, humans will need to adapt and make space to ensure endangered and threatened species are given a fighting chance," said Jeff Flocken, president and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific. "If they successfully hatch, these baby turtles will likely one day return to nest to carry on future generations on these very same beaches, giving us a remarkable opportunity to help a species expand its range and thrive."

There may be additional turtles that will nest or have already nested on Southern California beaches. The public should be on the lookout for sea turtle tracks in the sand. If the public sees a sea turtle nesting, in distress, or suspects they have found a nest, they should call the 24/7 West Coast Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline: 562-506-4315. Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Share photos and sightings online at: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/green-turtle-research-and-conservation-southern-california

The Aquarium of the Pacific is home to two olive ridley sea turtles (Theo and Lou) that hatched from eggs that were confiscated during an illegal wildlife trafficking incident, incubated under human care, and transferred to the Aquarium for long-term care and a home in 1999.

Working in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service, the Aquarium of the Pacific's veterinary staff members regularly help to rehabilitate ill or injured sea turtles for release back into the ocean. The Aquarium opened its sea turtle rehabilitation area in January 2026, doubling its capacity for caring for stranded, sick, or injured sea turtles so they have a chance to heal and return to their natural habitats. The area includes an approximately 4,000-gallon rehabilitation pool to accommodate rescued sea turtles found in Los Angeles County and beyond. There is an audio-visual display where visitors can learn more about these efforts.

The Aquarium is currently one of only two facilities in Southern California that have dedicated spaces to rehabilitate sea turtles. The Aquarium has cared for turtles since 2000, including olive ridley sea turtles. In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, the Aquarium of the Pacific's Southern California Sea Turtle Monitoring program has previously observed the olive ridley species. Aquarium volunteers have contributed to over a decade of research. Their data are used to understand how sea turtles, particularly green sea turtles, interact in this area and to help with additional tracking, protection, and monitoring efforts. The Aquarium supports the monitoring, rescue, and rehabilitation of a resident population of green sea turtles in San Gabriel River on the boarder of Orange and Los Angeles counties.

Since every rescued sea turtle has a story of survival, the public is invited to help write the next chapter. You can support sea turtle rehabilitation efforts and make an impact for these endangered creatures that will last generations by donating to the rescue to release campaign.