The decision was obvious to Hilton and his group. They spent the day hauling in the illegal fishing gear, discovering stingrays, sharks and turtles caught in the lines. “It was incredibly sad to see the protected area being ravaged by humans,” said Hilton. “The experience was overwhelming, and it showed me the need to teach people about conservation.”

Since that fateful trip, Hilton has developed a passion for animal welfare and has become an advocate for sustainability in managing our marine resources. His hope is that others can build their passions for conservation by watching animals thrive, rather than as a result of seeing them suffer.

He sees this in action when he visits the Aquarium with his daughter, Violet. “It’s like the first visit every time,” he says. “Even though she is young, I can see her developing compassion for animals, especially when we visit the Sea Turtle Hospital. She reaches out and asks what’s going on with the animals. She gets to experience a world where animals are valued and protected.”