Amputee Sea Turtle Porkchop Returns to San Gabriel River

Aquarium of the Pacific releases rehabilitated green sea turtle back into the wild after a year of treatment

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Porkchop, a green sea turtle with a partially amputated flipper, was released back into the San Gabriel River in Long Beach, California after a year of rehabilitation at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The turtle was rescued with severe injuries from fishing line and debris, highlighting the ongoing threats these animals face from human activity in the area. The aquarium has opened a new public-facing turtle rehabilitation facility to educate visitors about their conservation efforts.

Why it matters

Green sea turtles are a threatened species, but their population in the San Gabriel River is growing. However, they continue to face dangers from fishing gear, trash, and other human-caused threats in the waterway that runs through a densely populated region. The aquarium's work to rescue, treat, and release injured turtles like Porkchop is crucial to protecting this vulnerable local population.

The details

Porkchop, named for her appetite after losing her front right flipper, was rescued a year ago with a mostly dead flipper and a hook in her mouth. Aquarium staff amputated the necrotic flipper and treated her injuries before releasing her back into the San Gabriel River. The aquarium has rehabilitated sea turtles for over 25 years, and recently opened a new public-facing turtle rehabilitation facility where visitors can observe the treatment process.

  • Porkchop was rescued from the San Gabriel River a year ago.
  • Porkchop was released back into the San Gabriel River on Friday morning.

The players

Porkchop

An 85-pound green sea turtle that was rescued from the San Gabriel River with severe injuries from fishing line and debris, including a partially amputated flipper.

Aquarium of the Pacific

A Long Beach aquarium that has rehabilitated sea turtles for over 25 years and recently opened a new public-facing turtle rehabilitation facility.

Dr. Lance Adams

The director of veterinary services at the Aquarium of the Pacific who oversaw Porkchop's treatment and release.

Jeffrey Flocken

The president and chief executive of the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Dr. Brian Anton

A veterinary fellow from UC Davis who assisted with Porkchop's release.

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What they’re saying

“I hope she gets to go far away or live a turtle life with no further involvement with human beings.”

— Dr. Lance Adams, Director of Veterinary Services, Aquarium of the Pacific (latimes.com)

“The biggest issue is that we have to figure out how to stop letting so much garbage back here.”

— Jeffrey Flocken, President and Chief Executive, Aquarium of the Pacific (latimes.com)

“It's like rowing a boat. Some paddle is better than no paddle.”

— Dr. Lance Adams, Director of Veterinary Services, Aquarium of the Pacific (latimes.com)

What’s next

The aquarium will continue monitoring Porkchop and other rehabilitated turtles to track their progress and survival after release. They are also working to raise awareness about the threats facing sea turtles in the San Gabriel River and engage the local community in cleanup efforts.

The takeaway

The story of Porkchop's rescue, rehabilitation, and release highlights the ongoing challenges facing threatened green sea turtles, as well as the critical conservation work being done by the Aquarium of the Pacific to protect this vulnerable local population. It underscores the need for greater public awareness and action to address the impacts of human activity, such as pollution and debris, on sensitive coastal ecosystems.