Sea Turtles “Gentle Giants of Land and Sea”

See live relatives of sea turtles including terrestrial and freshwater turtles.

Of more than 250 turtle species living today, the seven species of sea turtles pose the largest threat of becoming extinct in the near future.  Currently, all sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered.  In this program, participants learn how to identify sea turtles and understand how they are different from other turtles.  Topics of discussion include:  identification, life cycle, anatomy, diet, nesting, hatchling emergence, defense strategies, natural predators, man-induced problems and conservation efforts.  Participants can observe a life-size image of the largest turtle in the world, the Leatherback sea turtle and touch many turtle terrific items on display.

An example of hands on artifacts in this program includes:

 Please note: Sea turtle artifacts are protected by law and licensed to authorized science institutions.  On loan from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service include 3 Loggerhead skulls, 2 Hawksbill sea turtle taxidermy, 2 Green sea turtle carapaces, preserved hatchlings of Loggerheads and Green sea turtles, lower jaw of a Green sea turtle and Green sea turtle eggshells.  Confiscated items include an Olive Ridley cowboy boot, sea turtle body lotion and Hawksbill bracelets.   Books and educational posters are on display.