Turtles Fly Too
Turtles Fly Too is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates a network of 2,000+ volunteer general aviation pilots to transport endangered sea turtles to U.S. and Canadian rehabilitation facilities, supported by NOAA, USFWS, and corporate sponsors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersBoise, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Turtles Fly Too does
Turtles Fly Too, Inc. (TF2) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 by Leslie Weinstein and headquartered in Boise, Idaho. The organization coordinates a network of more than 2,000 volunteer general aviation pilots who donate their aircraft, fuel, and time to transport endangered sea turtles — particularly cold-stunned, entangled, or injured animals — to rehabilitation facilities across the United States and Canada. Since inception, TF2 has facilitated the rescue and transport of over 4,000 sea turtles, including a record 536 turtles across 19 missions to 49 rehabilitation facilities during the 2020 cold-stun season. Operations are supported by formal partnerships with NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and a network of 60+ aquariums, marine rescue centers, and universities.
The organization's core product is the Turtle Flier Pilot Network, a coordination platform that matches mission requests from government agencies and rehabilitation partners with volunteer pilots operating under FAA Part 91, supplemented by chartered Part 135 and Part 121 carriers when mission requirements dictate. Supporting offerings include K-12 live Zoom educational programs, college-level veterinary and necropsy training, an aircraft donation program (donated aircraft are used in missions or sold), and volunteer coordination. The standardized 'Protocol for Pilots Transporting Sea Turtles' (published in partnership with NOAA Fisheries in 2017) serves as the operational backbone, and visibility is amplified through major media coverage (CBS News, USA Today, New York Times, NASA) and annual presence at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
TF2 does not charge for its air transport services. Revenue is generated through individual donations (via PayPal, credit card, bank transfer, eCards, and stock/bond gifts), corporate sponsorships (Bose, FlightAware, Signature Flight Support, Million Air, NBAA, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's foundation), aircraft donations, and merchandise sales (hand-crocheted sea turtles via Etsy). The organization operates with 1-10 paid staff, indicating a lean, volunteer-driven operating model. Strategic direction is set by a founder-led team supported by an Advisory Board that includes a NASA astronaut and aviation industry executives, with the mission explicitly framed as conserving both endangered sea turtles and the general aviation community.
Turtles Fly Too firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Turtles Fly Too
- Legal name
- Turtles Fly Too, Inc.
- Website
- https://turtlesflytoo.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Turtles Fly Too is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates a network of 2,000+ volunteer general aviation pilots to transport endangered sea turtles to U.S. and Canadian rehabilitation facilities, supported by NOAA, USFWS, and corporate sponsors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Turtles Fly Too is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boise
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Turtles Fly Too business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations: Individual donors contribute to support the organization's conservation mission including coordination, logistics, animal care, equipment, and program operations. The organization accepts monetary donations via PayPal, credit card, bank account, and eCards.
- Aircraft Donations: Individuals can donate their aircraft to the organization. Donated aircraft may be used in rescue missions or sold, with proceeds supporting the mission. Donors receive tax benefits as the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Stock and Bond Donations: The organization accepts donations of stocks and bonds, which can provide tax benefits for donors while supporting conservation efforts.
- Merchandise Sales: The organization sells merchandise including hand-crocheted sea turtle stuffed animals through Etsy, with proceeds supporting Turtles Fly Too programs.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors provide financial support, in-kind donations, and employee volunteerism that enable the organization to expand programs and maximize impact.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Turtles Fly Too product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Turtles Fly Too coordinates a network of 2,000+ volunteer general aviation pilots who donate their aircraft, fuel, and time to airlift endangered, cold-stunned, entangled, or injured sea turtles to aquariums, rehabilitation centers, and release sites across North America. The organization also delivers K-12 and university-level conservation education programs, accepts aircraft donations, and recruits non-pilot volunteers to support mission coordination and events.
Product overview
Turtles Fly Too is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates as a mission-driven platform connecting volunteer pilots with sea turtle rescue needs. The core offering is the Turtle Flier Pilot Network, which coordinates general aviation flights for endangered sea turtle transport. Supporting services include K-12 and college education programs, an aircraft donation program, and general volunteer opportunities. The organization facilitates wildlife rescue and conservation transport using volunteer-supported FAA Part 91 flights, professionally chartered Part 135 aircraft, and Part 121 carriers as mission requirements dictate.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Sea Turtle Rescue Flight Coordination Core free service coordinating 2,000+ volunteer general aviation pilots to airlift cold-stunned, entangled, or injured sea turtles to aquariums, rehabilitation facilities, and release sites across the U.S. and Canada.
- Turtle Flier Pilot Network Recruitment and onboarding program for licensed general aviation pilots who volunteer their aircraft, fuel, time, and expertise to transport sea turtles in need of rescue and rehabilitation.
- K-12 Education Programs Free 30-45 minute live Zoom presentations for K-12 classrooms covering STEM topics related to sea turtles, ocean currents, climate, conservation, and aviation, with Q&A opportunities for students.
- College and University Programs Professional veterinary medical education and sea turtle necropsy training sessions conducted at partner universities including Washington State University, Utah State University, and Northwest Nazarene University.
- Aircraft Donation Program Program that accepts donated aircraft from individuals, which may be used in sea turtle rescue missions or sold to fund operations, with donors receiving 501(c)(3) tax-deductible benefits.
- Volunteer Program Organized registration process for non-pilot volunteers to assist with mission coordination, events, and turtle relocations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 4,000 sea turtles rescued and transported since founding
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Turtles Fly Too
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Turtles Fly Too technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Turtles Fly Too partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)coreTF2 partners with USFWS to educate students and other non-profit organizations about the importance of general aviation to society, and specifically, endangered sea turtle rescue operations. USFWS is a key government partner in sea turtle conservation efforts.
- NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)coreTF2 partners with NOAA to educate students and non-profit organizations about general aviation and endangered sea turtle rescue operations. NOAA Fisheries calls on TF2 to provide air transportation when endangered species are threatened.
- Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & AquariumcoreSponsor since: Aquarium Rehab Education. In 2020, Turtles Fly Too received a grant from the Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's foundation and partnered to use Wonders of Wildlife facilities for sea turtle rehabilitation in the Midwest.
- Georgia Sea Turtle CentercorePartner since 2013. Georgia's only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility. Dr. Terry Norton, founder, has been a key supporter since the infancy of Turtles Fly Too.
- New England AquariumcorePartner since 2013. Key partner in cold-stun sea turtle rescue operations, particularly from Cape Cod beaches.
- SeaWorld San DiegocorePartner since 2016. SeaWorld San Diego's Rescue Team has worked with TF2 for sea turtle rehabilitation and release operations, including the international transport of Berni the Olive Ridley sea turtle from Vancouver, BC.
- FlightAwareminorSponsor since: FlightAware provides accurate real-time, historical and predictive flight insights to all segments of the aviation industry.
- Bose CorporationminorSponsor since: Aviation Pilot Headsets. Bose provides aviation pilot headsets to support TF2 missions.
- Signature Flight SupportminorPartner since 2013. Aviation services partner that provides landing and fuel services for TF2 rescue flights.
- Million AirminorPartner since 2014. Aviation services partner providing landing and fuel services.
- Vancouver AquariumcorePartner since 2017. Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) has collaborated with TF2 on international sea turtle rescues, including the transport of Berni from Vancouver, BC to San Diego.
- National Marine Life CentercorePartner since 2013. Worked with TF2 to find permanent homes for non-releasable marine animals, including coordinating the transport of Montauk the Harbor Seal to Virginia Aquarium.
- The Marine Mammal CentercorePartner since 2017. Major marine mammal rescue organization that has collaborated on whale disentanglement missions, including the July 2020 humpback whale rescue in New York Harbor.
- St. Louis AquariumcorePartner since 2019. TF2 delivered the St. Louis Aquarium's first sea turtle (Tsunami) and later a second turtle (Quasimodo), transported from Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
- The Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots)minorTF2 has collaborated with The Ninety-Nines for pilot recruitment and to interview volunteer pilots during sea turtle releases.
- NBAA (National Business Aviation Association)minorPartner since 2017. Aviation industry association partner.
- Texas A&M University at Galveston (Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research)corePartner since 2019. Academic partner for sea turtle research and rehabilitation.
- Brookfield ZoominorPartner since 2019. Chicago-area zoo that has received sea turtle transports from TF2.
- SeaWorld OrlandocorePartner since 2013. Major sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation partner.
- Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation CentercorePartner since 2015. North Carolina-based rehabilitation center that has expressed gratitude for the partnership with TF2.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Turtles Fly Too competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Wings of Rescue: Volunteer pilot organization that flies large-scale animal rescue and relocation missions, often in response to disasters and shelter overcrowding. Comparable general aviation volunteer transport model.
- Pilots N Paws: Volunteer pilot network coordinating free general aviation flights to transport rescued animals. Directly comparable model to Turtles Fly Too, though focused on broader small-animal rescue rather than sea turtles specifically.
- Volunteer Flight Network: Network coordinating volunteer pilots for charitable flights, similar in structure and volunteer-pilot-recruitment approach.
- Angel Flight East: Regional volunteer pilot network offering free flights for medical/humanitarian purposes. Operationally similar volunteer general aviation coordination structure.
- Angel Flight West: Volunteer pilot nonprofit providing free air transport for medical and humanitarian needs. Comparable volunteer general aviation model, though serving human passengers rather than wildlife.
- Patient Airlift Services: Volunteer pilot organization providing free air transportation for medical missions. Comparable centralized coordination of volunteer general aviation capacity for nonprofit purposes.
Emerging players
- Sea Turtle, Inc. Sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation nonprofit in South Padre Island, Texas. Adjacent mission in sea turtle conservation; overlapping rehabilitation ecosystem without aviation transport capability.
Broad incumbents
- The Marine Mammal Center: Larger marine animal rescue and rehabilitation organization that has partnered with Turtles Fly Too on whale disentanglement. Comparable conservation mission with broader species scope and established infrastructure.
Others
- Georgia Sea Turtle Center: Sea turtle education, research, and rehabilitation facility that is a key Turtles Fly Too rehabilitation partner. Operates downstream in the same conservation value chain.
- Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center: Sea turtle rehabilitation center that is a featured Turtles Fly Too partner and beneficiary of transport missions. Operates downstream in the same rescue-to-release value chain.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Turtles Fly Too social profiles
Digital presenceTurtles Fly Too financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Turtles Fly Too leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Turtles Fly Too funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Turtles Fly Too M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Turtles Fly Too
What does Turtles Fly Too do?
Turtles Fly Too coordinates a network of 2,000+ volunteer general aviation pilots who donate their aircraft, fuel, and time to airlift endangered, cold-stunned, entangled, or injured sea turtles to aquariums, rehabilitation centers, and release sites across North America. The organization also delivers K-12 and university-level conservation education programs, accepts aircraft donations, and recruits non-pilot volunteers to support mission coordination and events.
Is Turtles Fly Too a public or private company?
Turtles Fly Too is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Turtles Fly Too founded?
Turtles Fly Too was founded in 2014. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Turtles Fly Too based?
Turtles Fly Too is headquartered in Boise, United States, in the North America region.
How does Turtles Fly Too make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Donations are the primary driver. The others are aircraft Donations, stock and Bond Donations, merchandise Sales and corporate Sponsorship.
Who are Turtles Fly Too's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Wings of Rescue, Pilots N Paws, Volunteer Flight Network, Angel Flight East, Angel Flight West and Patient Airlift Services. Sea Turtle, Inc. is listed as an emerging player. The Marine Mammal Center is listed as a broad incumbent. Others are Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
Does Turtles Fly Too have an API?
No public API is recorded for Turtles Fly Too.