The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center welcomes guests back for tours

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — A popular Pender County attraction is once again welcoming visitors, after being closed since last spring due to the pandemic.

This is the second week the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center has been re-opened, after taking a hiatus because of the challenges presented by COVID-19.

The agency’s newly appointed executive director says the center has made changes to mitigate the spread of the virus, operating at limited capacity two days a week.

“We’ve implemented online ticketing and timed ticketing. So, hopefully no more standing in long lines, and people can choose the time they can come and we’ve also implemented more of a docent style tour,” said Kathy Zagzebski, executive director.

She also says the center is thankful to see their tickets selling out since their reopening, after taking a hit from the closure.

“That was made for a really tough lane year for us, because we rely on that ticket price. That sale goes directly to buy the food and the medicine that we need to take care of our sea turtle patients,” said Zagzebski.

If all goes well with the new adjustments, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center hopes to open to full capacity this summer.