Event will celebrate sea turtle and seabird rehabilitation
Enjoy some close encounters with endangered sea turtles and other marine life during Turtle Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Marine Science Center, 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet.
Animal rehabilitation staff will explain how they care for injured birds and sea turtles, while vendors will sell food and beverages. Exhibitors from regional conservation organizations will provide information on projects throughout the area. Other activities will include crafts and live music.
Attendees can learn about Volusia County’s marine environment and get their hands wet in the center’s touch pool, which features cownose rays and hermit crabs. Depending on turtle health, weather and surf conditions, one or more sea turtles may be released on the beach in Ponce Inlet.
Because parking is limited, attendees can park at the 7-Eleven store, 4618 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet, and catch a free shuttle to and from the Marine Science Center. The service will be provided from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission to the Marine Science Center and Turtle Day events will be free.
The Marine Science Center is an environmental learning center providing rehabilitation for sick and injured sea turtles and seabirds. Visitors can learn about marine life in the center’s exhibit hall, which includes a 1,400-gallon touch pool with rays, skates, sharks and horseshoe crabs, as well as a 5,000-gallon artificial reef aquarium, living reef and a gift shop. They also can watch turtles receive specialized care, walk along the nature trail and climb the observation tower.
Since opening in 2002, the Marine Science Center has cared for more than 23,000 sea turtles and 2,000 other reptiles. The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Facility at the Marine Science Center has received more than 19,000 birds since opening in 2004.
For more information, call the Marine Science Center at 386-304-5545 or visit www.marinesciencecenter.com.
