The Texas Sealife Center is one of the only rescues in the Coastal Bend that provides rehabilitation for turtles, shorebirds and raptors. They are open to the public for educational tours and drop-offs for injured wildlife.
Tim Tristan, DVM DABVP, Founder of Texas Sealife Center, says many people tell him that they didn’t even know the facility was right here on the Island. Dr. Tristan’s goal is to get a bigger roadside sign to let the community know of the facility and bring awareness to what they do in the Coastal Bend.
To help kick start these efforts, local rum company, Vida Cana Rum, wanted to help the rescue. Bryan Tierce, co-owner of Vida Cana, says they wanted to support local organizations and businesses that are helping the environment. Tierce also explains that on the bottle of Vida Cana, is a turtle, so it only makes sense to give back to a local non-profit that saves turtles. Tierce also mentions that with the donations they would like to build a canopy for the back of the facility that will keep the turtle tanks in the shade.
Vida Cana is currently sold at Scuttlebutt’s and Island Time off of Park Rd 22 on the Island. At Scuttlebutt’s, if a cocktail or drink with Vida Cana is sold, a part of those proceeds will go straight to the Texas Sealife Center. This in part, will help raise funds for the roadside sign for the Texas Sealife Center.
Vida Cana will be sold in retail stores in mid-June. They have four products, USVI + American Craft 2 year, Andean Blend 8 year, Dominican Republic 9 year, and Panama 18 year. Each rum product is a taste of the region that it comes from, which were part of the travels from the two owners of Vida Cana Rum.
You can follow Texas Sealife Center on their Facebook Page or Website
You can follow Vida Cana Rum on their Facebook Page or Instagram
