Celebrate Sapphire’s 10-Year Anniversary at the Living Coast!
Join us in honoring Sapphire, the beloved Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta), who has captivated hearts for a decade at the Living Coast Discovery Center. Sapphire’s journey from rehabilitation in the Florida Keys to becoming a cherished ambassador of the Living Coast has inspired countless visitors. Now, you can play a role in Sapphire’s ongoing journey. As part of San Diego Gives 2024, a day dedicated to giving and making an impact locally, we invite you to support Sapphire and all animal residents who call the Living Coast their home.
About Sapphire
Sapphire was named after Sapphire Key, where she was found floating in Florida Bay. Her journey to the Living Coast began after being rescued twice in high-traffic boat lanes in Key West, Florida. Due to a severe injury from a boat propeller, Sapphire could not fully submerge and could not hunt effectively in the wild. Veterinarians at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, determined she was non-releasable, as returning to the ocean would jeopardize her survival.
In 2014, Sapphire arrived at the Living Coast with a buoyancy issue known as “bubble butt syndrome.” To help her stay submerged and swim comfortably, our animal care team helped to design a custom wetsuit with the team at O’Neill. Now, at 26 years old and weighing 220 lbs., Sapphire thrives in the David A. Wergeland Shark & Ray Experience.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Your donations during this campaign will directly support Sapphire and all the Living Coast Discovery Center animals. Here’s how your contribution can help:
- $1,000: Covers a vet visit for Sapphire and other animals at the Living Coast.
- $500 Supports the dedicated staff who provide daily care for Sapphire and her fellow residents.
- $250: Supports habitat and exhibit maintenance, such as replacing substrate to ensure a healthy environment for all marine life here on the Living Coast.
- $100: Purchases new enrichment toys and items.
- $50: Helps provide food and snacks for Sapphire and her fellow residents
San Diego Gives 2024
San Diego Gives is a powerful day of collective generosity that demonstrates the strength and unity of our community. With generous matching gift opportunities from Seven Mile Casino and robust community support, your donation will have an even more significant impact in supporting Sapphire and the animals at the Living Coast Discovery Center.
How You Can Help
- Donate Now: Click here to make a secure donation through our fundraising page.
- Spread the Word: Share Sapphire’s story and this campaign with friends and family on social media.
- Visit Us: Plan a visit to see Sapphire and learn more about our mission to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment.
Thank you to Seven Mile Casino for matching the first $1000 raised during San Diego Gives.
There are a number of ways to support our mission:
- Give a cash donation
- Become a member
- Volunteer
- Give appreciated securities/stock
- Include us in your estate plans
Does your company offer an employee charitable match?
Your gift could be doubled – ask us how!
Here are some of the exciting programs and projects that need your support:
Environmental education for K-12 students:
- Living Lab Field Trips
- Our Wild San Diego Outreach
- Wildlife Day Camps
- Provide the items needed for the specialized care of the animal ambassadors at the Living Coast.
Please make gifts by check payable to:
Living Coast Discovery Center
1000 Gunpowder Point Drive
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Tax ID: 33-0750177
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) organization that inspires the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment. Your donation is tax-deductible as permissible by law.
