The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society
  Members of the Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project Board of Directors: Lazaro Herrera, Scott Kiehner, and Laura Kiehner, on tour with their hero, Fernando Manzano (Papa Tortuga). |
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For 30 years Fernando Manzano has dedicated himself to the protection and restoration of the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), known as Tortuga Lora in Mexico. Inspired by a Jacques Cousteau documentary about a sea turtle protection program, he decided to devote his life to helping his own beloved Loras and to educating the public.
On February 13, Fernando, affectionately known as “Papa Tortuga” (Father Turtle), and his team from the Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project, presented a documentary and lecture on Fernando’s many years of work protecting nests and hatchlings.
Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project Web site: saveloraturtles.org
| Photos by Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project | ||
 Fernando Manzano, Lazaro Herrera, and Alex Ypsilanti |
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 Barbara Daddario and Fernando Manzano |
 Fernando, Michael, Alex, and Lazaro |
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 Michael Musnick and Fernando Manzano |
| Photos by Barbara Daddario | |
 Michael Musnick and Fernando Manzano |
 Fernando Manzano |
 Laura Kiehner and Fernando Manzano |
 Fernando Manzano |
Papa Tortuga Continues His Work
 Papa Tortuga (Fernado Manzano) & Lazaro Herrera |
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After giving his presentation to NYTTS, Papa Tortuga continued to tour the U.S. in 2011 and into 2012. What has the impact of his work and Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project’s financial support meant to sea turtle preservation? Along the beaches of Tecolutla, Mexico, the density of sea turtle nests has been increasing. Papa Tortuga has been able to add more vehicles and workers to patrol the 32 miles of Tecolutla beach for nests. The result has been a growing population of sea turtle hatchlings safely making it to sea each nesting season! See the Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project Web site.
Papa Tortuga’s online documentary
Fernando Manzano (known as “Papa Tortuga”) passed away in April 2021, in Tecolutla, Veracruz, Mexico
Manzano’s long dedication and passion for sea turtle protection inspired the formation and efforts
of the Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project. See a full report on his passing work.
