Faustino Bernadett Helps Aquarium of the Pacific Save Marine Life, Including Sea Turtle Release

An Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Similar to the One Rescued from Pismo Beach

Dr. Bernadett’s Ongoing Support Helps the Aquarium of the Pacific

Thanks to the generosity of the Molina family, who made the Molina Animal Care Center possible in 2010, and the ongoing support of community advocates like Faustino Bernadett and his wife, Martha, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, continues to provide world-class care for injured and endangered marine life.

After seven months of intensive treatment at this state-of-the-art facility, an olive ridley sea turtle rescued from Pismo Beach last December, suffering from deep cuts, dehydration, and cold-water shock, was given a second chance at life. On Monday, August 11, 2025, she was released several miles off the Long Beach coast to the cheers of donors, media, and aquarium staff. Her recovery highlights the Aquarium’s sea turtle rescue program and the importance of expanded rehabilitation space, including a new 4,000-gallon tank currently under construction.

About the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is the largest aquarium in Southern California, welcoming more than 1.7 million visitors each year. Home to over 12,000 animals across 100 exhibits, it serves as a hub for marine education, conservation, and community engagement.

Visitors can explore diverse habitats, from colorful coral reefs and kelp forests to touch pools where they can interact with stingrays and sharks. The Aquarium also offers hands-on programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational workshops designed to inspire a deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems.

Through special events, conservation initiatives, and community outreach, the Aquarium encourages sustainable practices and a lifelong appreciation for marine life. Its veterinary and rescue programs provide critical care for injured and endangered animals, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants.

A Legacy of Service and Education

Faustino “Tino” Bernadett and his wife, Martha, have long been champions of ocean conservation, education, and community engagement. Their support of the Aquarium of the Pacific builds upon the foundation established by the Molina family, helping ensure that animals like the rescued sea turtle have the opportunity to thrive.

For Tino and Martha, this involvement is part of a larger commitment to giving back. Inspired by Dr. Faustino Bernadett Sr., M.D., who served as the only Spanish-speaking family doctor in Chico, California, and dedicated his life to caring for underserved communities, Dr. Bernadett has continued that tradition of service through philanthropy and community leadership.

Today, the Bernadetts’ support of the Aquarium not only contributes to vital animal care but also to educational programs that inspire the next generation of ocean advocates. Their partnership with the Aquarium of the Pacific reflects a shared vision: preserving the ocean’s beauty and biodiversity for future generations.