The new STRP documentary, "The Heartbreak Turtle Today," is now available on PBS stations around the country. The National Education Telecommunications Association (NETA) made this historic documentary about the Kemp's ridley sea turtle available to PBS stations in July.

This 26 minute documentary tells the story of the near extinction of this small Gulf of Mexico turtle and its slow recovery beginning in the mid 1980s thanks to a cooperative program between the U.S. and Mexico. Interesting interviews are mixed with fascinating film of Kemp's ridleys at all ages including discussion of the tragic oil spill of 2010 and its unknown impact on sea turtles.

A detailed Teacher Guide for kindergarten, first and second levels is now available with other levels soon to follow. The authors are Ingrid Quigg Norris, B. S., a resident of Spartanburg, SC, who moved from the Houston/Galveston area in Texas. Before her current position of Humane Education Coordinator with the Spartanburg Humane Society, Ingrid put her passion for educating young children and adults into developing programs for the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Watershed Ecology Center at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Her interest in Kemp's Ridley sea turtles began in the early 1990s while living on the Gulf of Mexico in Crystal Beach, Texas.

Co-author Bonnie Webster worked with Ingrid at the Watershed Ecology Center at the University of South Carolina Upstate. She also taught classes at the University and Converse College. She now teaches high school level biology/environmental science at Spartanburg Day School.

Please call your local PBS station and ask to see this outstanding documentary. The film was produced in Houston where members can call PBS station KUHT-TV (713-748-8888) to ask for "The Heartbreak Turtle Today." After you view the documentary, please send your comments to Carole@seaturtles.org. Copies are available now from the STRP Sea Turtle Store for $5.00. Click here to order.