Learn
about endangered sea turtles and watch a rehabilitated loggerhead
return to the sea during the sixth annual Turtle Day at the Marine
Science Center Saturday, April 19.
Activities, scheduled at the center from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., will
include educational lectures, a live butterfly exhibit, kite flying
sponsored by High-Fly Hobbies, and children's crafts by A.C. Moore.
Refreshments will be provided by Wilbur's Wieners and Ritters Frozen
Custard.
The day will culminate with the release of Old Boots, a 175-pound
rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtle, at 3 p.m. at Winter Haven Park,
Ponce Inlet, if weather permits.
Old Boots was brought to the Marine Science Center in November after
suffering from the effects of red tide. After determining that he
had anemia, low blood sugar and an intestinal impaction,
rehabilitation specialists treated him with antibiotics, fluid
therapy and medications. After almost two months of tube feedings in
the center’s turtle hospital, Old Boots started eating well on his
own and has put on almost 20 pounds.
Old Boots received his name from the English idiom that someone who
is “tough as old boots” is strong and resilient.
The Marine Science Center, 100 Lighthouse Drive, is an environmental
learning center providing rehabilitation for sick and injured sea
turtles and sea birds. Visitors can learn about marine life in the
center’s exhibit hall, which includes a 5,000-gallon aquarium,
mangrove exhibit, coral propagation tanks, anatomical exhibits of a
whale and dolphin, and a gift shop. They also can watch turtles and
birds receive specialized care, visit habitats for a bald eagle and
wading birds, walk along a nature trail, and climb a bird
observation tower.
The Marine Science Center is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday
through Saturday, and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is normally $5
for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children 3-12, and free for
children under 3. Admission will be free on Turtle Day.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Live butterfly exhibit
Join master naturalist Al Manassa in a tent filled with live
butterflies.
10:30 a.m.: Everything you ever wanted to know about sea turtles
Michelle Bauer, a rehabilitation specialist, will answer your
questions about sea turtles, their biology, and how the Marine
Science Center helps them recover from sickness and injury.
11:30 a.m.: Efforts to preserve the Indian River Lagoon
Kathy Hill, education coordinator, will address the ecological
impact of the Indian River Lagoon and how the St. Johns River Water
Management District is working to preserve the lagoon.
12:30 p.m.: Sea turtle ecology
Stacey Bell, a sea turtle field coordinator, will discuss ecological
practices for saving endangered sea turtles and Volusia County’s
role in the conservation efforts.
3 p.m.: Sea turtle and sea bird release
Witness the beauty of an endangered sea turtle and sea birds
returning to their natural habitats at Winter Haven Park, Ponce
Inlet (two miles north of the Marine Science Center). Pending full
recovery, one or more rehabilitated sea turtles and birds will be
released.
printable flyer [PDF]
