FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Home > FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS > Sea Turtle Walks

• Tweet
• Outlook
• ICAL
• PRINT
• Email
• Feedback

• RSS

• Official Website
• Buy Tickets
• Add to My Favorites

Sea Turtle Walks

Presented by Museum of Discovery and Science at Museum of Discovery and Science

June 14-July 28, 2011

Add Review/Comment

This summer, the Museum of Discovery and Science will host evening Turtle Walks. The entire family can participate in an evening of discovery while uncovering the natural history and myths of turtles. Nature permitting, participants will have a chance to watch a 300 pound Loggerhead Sea Turtle venture out of the ocean to lay her eggs. A female Loggerhead Sea Turtle may travel thousands of miles to return to the original beach where she hatched, laying her own eggs as an adult.

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean Sea and is a protected species. It spends most of its life in saltwater and estuarine habitats, with females briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle has a low reproductive rate; females lay an average of four egg clutches, then they become quiescent, and do not produce eggs for two to three years. The Loggerhead has a lifespan of 30-60 years.

At 9 p.m., the adventure begins at the Museum of Discovery and Science with an informative hands-on session about turtles (land, fresh water and salt water) with an expanded focus on sea turtles. Guests will also meet “M.J.” the Museum’s Ambassador Loggerhead sea turtle who was named after Mike Jackson. Mr. Jackson, AutoNation, Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was awarded the Museum’s 2010 “Community Leadership Award” in recognition of his support of education and the arts. “M.J.” is approximately eight months old and was rescued near Juno Beach. Once “M.J.” reaches an appropriate size, he will be released in the ocean. Museum staff will provide answers to questions about nesting, threats and conservation before proceeding to the beach.

The adventure continues to Fort Lauderdale beach where Museum expert guides will lead guests to the sea turtle’s nesting grounds to look for these amazing creatures. We cannot guarantee a sea turtle will be spotted on every walk, but when it does occur it is a natural wonder that one will never forget.

Guests should be prepared to walk approximately one to two miles, and provide their own transportation and snacks. Advance reservations are required as space is limited.