In 2007, the Marine Science Center received and cared for nearly 6,000 washback sea turtles, 422 hatchlings and 83 seaturtles ranging from juvenile green turtles to adult loggerheads. More than 150 other reptiles, including gopher tortioises, freshwater turtles and snakes, have been treated there, too.
One of the main goals of the Marine Science Center is sea turtle rehabilitation. Guests can overlook seven turtle hospital pools from the Turtle Terrace, located in front of the main facility. These pools house sick and injured sea turtles, hatchlings, and washbacks under rehabilitation. The rehabilitating hatchlings, wash backs (newly hatched baby sea turtles that are washed back to shore by rough seas) and sea turtles are released upon full recovery. The MSC turtle rehabilitation area also includes care and treatment of freshwater turtles and land tortoises.
Visit us online: Marine Science Center
Local: (386)304-5545