Ila Loetscher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ila Loetscher
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Loetscher holding a sea turtle
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| Born | 30 October 1904 |
| Died | January 4, 2000 |
| Burial place | Pella, Iowa |
| Occupation | Aviator, conservationist |
| Known for | "The Turtle Lady" |
Ila Fox Loetscher (born October 30, 1904 – died January 4, 2000) was an amazing American woman. People knew her as "The Turtle Lady" because she worked hard to protect sea turtles. She was also one of the first women to fly airplanes!
Early Life and Flying Adventures
Ila Marie Fox was born on October 30, 1904, in Callender, Iowa. She had a twin sister named Olive, and two younger twin brothers. Her father was a doctor in the countryside. Ila went to school in Pella, Iowa, and later graduated from the University of Iowa.
From a young age, Ila was very interested in engines and flying. When she was 25, she became the first woman from Iowa to get a pilot's license. Her friend, the famous pilot Amelia Earhart, invited Ila to join a special group. This group was called the Ninety-Nines, and it was started in 1929 to help and support women pilots. Ila was one of the first 99 members!
By the 1950s, Ila spent more time with her family than flying. In 1955, her husband, David Loetscher, passed away after 32 years of marriage. After this, Ila decided to start fresh. She moved to South Padre Island, Texas, to begin a new chapter in her life.
Protecting Sea Turtles
Soon after moving to South Padre Island, Ila Loetscher fell in love with sea turtles. This passion would become the most important part of her later life. From 1963 to 1967, she joined other islanders on trips to Mexico. They went to collect eggs from the endangered Kemp's ridley turtle. They would then bring these eggs back to the island to plant and protect them. Ila even got a special license from the state to care for sick and injured sea turtles.
In 1977, Ila Loetscher started a non-profit group called "Sea Turtle, Inc." This organization focused on protecting and saving sea turtles, especially the Kemp's ridley. Because of all her hard work for the turtles, people started calling her "The Turtle Lady."
Awards and TV Appearances
Ila Loetscher received many honors for her work:
- In 1991, Ila Loetscher was added to the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame.
- In 2005, she was the first person chosen for the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame.
- Ila also appeared in documentaries by National Geographic. She was on many popular TV shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Night with David Letterman, the Today Show, and Real People.
