Donna Shaver, PhD

Donna Shaver with Ila Loetscher in 1987 or 1988
Ila Loetscher and Donna Shaver

As Chief, Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery of the Padre Island National Seashore for the National Park Service, Donna Shaver, PhD, is kept very busy with the demands of running a group on which rests so much responsibility.

Fortunately for the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles, she is very good at what she does and devotes her time and energy to their welfare with an intensity that equals Ila's own personal crusade. As the foremost expert in the United States on Kemp's ridley sea turtles, we can think of no better authority in the field and cannot express often enough how grateful we are for her ongoing encouragement and recognition of our organization.

Donna Shaver with Mary Ann Tous
Mary Ann Tous with Donna Shaver, PhD


Not only just in the Spring during the annual sea turtle patrol training but whenever there is a situation involving sea turtles on South Padre Island, the Turtle Lady Legacy knows that they can count on Dr. Shaver and her team to do whatever is necessary, in conjunction with Sea Turtle Inc., to ensure the well-being of the endangered sea turtles who share the beaches and oceans with us.

Donna Shaver and Cynthia Rubio with Patti Pitcock and Mary Ann Tous at 2009 Turtle Patrol Training
From left: Patti Pitcock, Donna Shaver, PhD, Cynthia Rubio, Mary Ann Tous

       "I think that Ila would be thrilled to see the progress that we
        have made in the Kemp's ridley work."

                                                                Donna Shaver, PhD
                                                                Chief, Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery                                                                 Padre Island National Seashore
                                                                National Park Service