b'Coastal Bend Tour GuideMISSION OF TEXASIn 2012, seeing a need for more assets to handle asands of wild animals, both native and visiting South growing population in the Coastal Bend of wildlifeTexas, especially sea turtles. Dr. Tristan is a long-time found in distress, Dr. Tristan formed the Texas Sealifecolleague of Donna Shaver, whose work at Padre SEALIFE CENTER Center in a North Padre Island building that was do- Island National Seashore has been recognized across nated by Nueces County. A team of volunteers wasthe world as pivotal to the comeback of the Kemps Dr. Tim Tristan is one of the most accomplishedassembled to transform the property into a func- Ridley Sea Turtle in the Gulf of Mexico.marine life veterinarians in the United States, andtional animal rescue center that includes veterinaryTexas Sealife Center, currently an all-volunteer op-one of only three in Texas who is board certified toand surgical facilities, rehabilitation and boardingeration, aspires to expand its mission in the Coastal perform surgery on reptiles, including sea turtles.space, and a visitor center where the public canBend, as the public increasingly recognizes the ben-Over his storied career, he has cared for animals atlearn about the importance of marine wildlife con- efits of saving marine lifeand as industrial growth facilities that include Moody Gardens, the San Anto- servation, up close and personal! makes more of an impact on the ecology of the Gulf nio Zoo, Landrys Aquarium in Houston, the ARK inOver its eight years in operation, the Texas SealifeCoast. 14220 S. Padre Island Dr. on North Padre Port Aransas, and the Texas State Aquarium. Center has rescued, rehabilitated and released thou- Island(361) 589-4023TexasSealifeCenter.org94 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINEQ2.2020 TheCoastalBend.com'