INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The 2016 Tour de Turtles “migration marathon” officially begins this weekend following the release of the remaining sponsored sea turtles at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort on July 30, and at the Barrier Island Center Sunday, July 31.
This year, scientists will follow a total of 14 sea turtles to discover more about their habits at sea and identify migratory patterns that may hold the key to their survival.
Since the launch of Tour de Turtles in 2008, the Gainesville-based Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) has released more than 100 sea turtles from nesting sites in Florida, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the West Indies. These turtles have provided invaluable data on migratory routes and foraging grounds for five sea turtle species in the Western Hemisphere. Follow the migration at tourdeturtles.org.
On July 30, STC and Disney’s Animal Programs will attach satellite transmitters to two loggerhead sea turtles Bailey and Destiny named after Disney’s animated film Finding Dory. This event is reserved exclusively for resort guests and invited media. Parking is limited.
Resort guests will enjoy family-friendly activities on the beach, while learning more about turtle conservation and how a very important pocket beagle, Captain Ron, is playing a big role in sea turtle conservation. Media interviews will be available following the turtles’ release.
The event will take place at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort at 7 a.m., 9250 Island Grove Terrace, Vero Beach, FL 32963.
On July 31, a free event open to the public will take place at Barrier Island Center at 8 a.m. Join STC at the Barrier Island Center as they attach satellite transmitters to two loggerhead sea turtles, Leonora (named by sponsor Ripley’s Aquariums) and Turpac (named by sponsor Pacsafe). Following the release, there will be fun, family-friendly activities until 10 a.m.
The Barrier Island Center is located at 8385 S Highway A1A; Melbourne Beach. Parking is limited.
