Local Tip: Trek With Turtles At SeaWorld’s New Exhibit
A hungry turtle
By Kelly Stilwell
We live in Florida, I have a daughter who is very involved in protecting marine life and conservation education, and we’re members at SeaWorld. So needless to say, we were all excited when the new Turtle Trek exhibit opened there earlier this year.
They bill it as the first 3-D, domed, 360-degree attraction in the world and even with that hype it manages to surpass my expectations. It’s unlike any exhibit I’ve ever seen. You can’t take photos inside, but this video gives you an idea of what to expect.
SeaWorld does a good job of mixing conservation with fun and this new exhibit is a good example of that mission.
Turtle Trek aims to show us what the journey to the sea is like for turtle hatchlings, and how we can become “everyday heroes” by doing even the smallest things to make that journey easier. The presentation follows Nyah, a green sea turtle, on her trek from hatching on the beach to becoming an adult. Watching Turtle Trek is like being in the ocean with the turtles and other marine life, without getting wet!
By educating the public about the problems facing sea turtles, SeaWorld hopes to increase the number of sea turtles who survive to adulthood. Isn’t it amazing that an adult will return to the same beach where she was hatched to lay her eggs? They face a host of dangers to do it, though. Learning how we can help really does make a difference.
One of the most important things we can do is to remember to keep the porch lights turned off at night when we’re living near the beach. It seems the turtles follow the natural light off the ocean’s horizon, and if they see a light in the other direction, they will follow it, too. Getting off track means getting eaten by a bird, raccoon, or other predator, or getting lost and overheating. (I’ve been fortunate enough to see a turtle release, and these little guys are so vulnerable! In fact, when the team releasing the turtles sees some struggling, they will hold on to them for a few days to give them a chance to gain strength for the journey. The release I watched was a second attempt.)
While you’re waiting in line for Turtle Trek, there is a lot to see! You’ll walk through an aquarium where you will come face to face with a sea turtle like this one.
You’ll also see all kinds of fish.
You’ll even see manatee!
Turtle Trek is an awesome experience. We can’t wait to go back, probably very soon!
Kelly Stilwell is a freelance writer and blogger who loves living in Florida with her husband and two teenagers. Visit her website, Virtually Yours.
lisa
September 17, 2012
This looks so amazing – and a great learning opportunity for the kids!
Summer
September 17, 2012
We have passes to Sea World and have yet to go to this, can’t wait till we get a chance to go.
Faith
September 18, 2012
We had a hurt turtle here in the Chattanooga aquarium. They are such beautiful creatures, just so peaceful looking. I’d love to share the new turtle trek with my kids one day.
Wanda swafford
September 18, 2012
Awesome! Turtles are my favorite! Would love to check it out. :)
Kelly D
September 18, 2012
My kids would love this exhibit- It looks great & very educational.
Jennifer
September 19, 2012
How cool! I haven’t been to Sea World in forever…I’m sure my girls would love this exhibit!
Lena - @elenka29
September 19, 2012
That just looks so amazing – absolutely love it and most of my family love aquariums
Pinky Sade
September 20, 2012
This is awesome! So much fun for the whole family and educational too!
Teh Doll
September 21, 2012
I love sea turtles … so interesting.. My kids would love this!
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kathyg
September 21, 2012
turtle trek looks amazing.. so glad there are new and exciting things happening at sea world orlando!
Anne
September 21, 2012
Looks awesome! Would love to win!
alisha
September 21, 2012
we’ve been to disney world several times but never to sea world…we’ve gotta check this out!
amy tolley
September 22, 2012
this is amazing….
Kat
September 23, 2012
My kids would love this exhibit at Sea World. I’m hoping to get to Orlando in the next few months.
amber whitehead
September 24, 2012
Turtle trek looks awesome!
Kerrie @ Family Food Travel
September 25, 2012
I love turtles, and this exhibit looks amazing! Would love to go and visit it someday.
Thank you for coming to link up to Travel Tuesday!
Kerrie
http://familyfoodtravel.blogspot.ca
Jessica
September 25, 2012
What a great experience! Manatees and turtles are my favorite sea creatures!
Sonja
September 28, 2012
Kids today learn so much more about conservation than we did as kids. I think it’s awesome. And SeaWorld and many zoos have taken such a role in this education, it’s fantastic.
Stacy
September 28, 2012
I haven’t been yet, but sea turtles are my favorite animal. I even have one tattooed on my leg!