The Amos Rehabilitation Keep, or ARK, rehabilitates marine turtles and marine birds from the coastal zone of Mustang Island and St. Joseph Island. Consultative and collaborative services are available to marine wildlife rehabilitation facilities and staff at all other locations and regions.
The ARK is not open to the public.
If you see a stranded or nesting sea turtle call the Turtle Hotline: 1-866-TURTLE5.
If you see an injured shore bird, call the ARK Hotline (361)749-6793.
If you have an inquiry about injured non-marine animals such as opossums, raccoons, squirrels, gophers, skunks, non-web-footed birds, or owls please refer to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s directory of wildlife rehabilitators for the appropriate organization.
It is our mission to:
- Rescue and rehabilitate marine birds and turtles found sick or injured from the coastal zone of Mustang Island and St. Joseph Island.
- Release those animals that recover back to their native habitat.
- Educate the public about local wildlife and human impacts on our coastal area.
- Increase our knowledge through association with veterinarians and professional societies of how to treat, house, and release our animal patients using up-to-date wildlife rehabilitation techniques to increase our release success rates.
- Improve our facilities so that we can safely house and treat turtles and birds year-round, independent of seasonal climate changes.
The ARK also deals with stranded (dead) sea turtles and marine mammals through our long association with the national and state stranding networks (Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network [STSSN] and the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network [TMMSN]).
Volunteer
Care for injured coastal marine birds and turtles. This job is rewarding, but tough. If you love coastal critters and don’t mind cleaning cages, doing laundry, and cutting up fish then the ARK is the place for you.
Turtle Patrol
Conduct sea turtle surveys using the ARK's ATV during the nesting season (March 1 - September 15) or assist on San Jose Island with beach surveys. Perform animal rescues (after training) or pick up animals at various locations outside the Mustang Island area.
A volunteer at the ARK must complete the appropriate volunteer forms, including a Background Check form, together with a copy of his/her own health insurance coverage.
Click here for more information about volunteering and required forms.
