Tour de Turtles at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Everyone staying at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort this weekend can join Sea Turtle Conservancy and Disney’s Animal Programs researchers as they attach satellite transmitters on two sea turtles to identify migratory patterns that could be related to their survival. Kids can join Turtle Troop, a fun and educational experience that combines crafts and a walk on the beach to see a sea turtle nest up close.  They are planning on releasing two mother turtles that have monitors attached Saturday, August 1st, at 7 am.  The loggerhead sea turtles from Disney’s Vero Beach this year are named Tinkerbell and Marina.  You can follow their journey at TourDeTurtles.org.

Why is this so important?

Each year, thousands of hatchling sea turtles emerge from their nests on many of the world’s sandy beaches and enter the ocean. Sadly, as few as one in 1,000 will survive into adulthood. The natural obstacles that young and adult sea turtles face are staggering.  However, it is the increasing threats caused by humans that are driving these species to extinction. Today, six out of seven sea turtle species are considered endangered or critically endangered worldwide. In order to ensure that sea turtles do not go extinct, it is vital that scientists, conservationists, governments and the general public work together to combat these human threats.