On World Sea Turtle Day over 700 visitors joined us to learn about Florida sea turtles and what we can do to protect them! They got to meet researchers and conservationists, as well as try out a virtual reality simulation, handle real specimens and go on a scavenger hunt in the Museum.

large group of people posing in front of the World Sea Turtle Day sign
Our 2024 partners and friends helped educate visitors about sea turtles and how people could support these wonderful animals. Florida Museum photo by Janelle Peña-Jiménez

Our popular annual event was on June 16, which was on the official World Sea Turtle Day this year! As usual, we were happy to offer Project S.H.E.L.L., a virtual reality simulation that allows guests to immerse themselves in the daily life of a loggerhead as it hatches and grows to become a nesting adult.

children and adults museum visitors look at items on display at the World Sea Turtle event and speak with the event educators
We partnered with the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research again this year to showcase the conservation work these dedicated researchers are doing. Florida Museum photo from 2023 by Bonny Matejowsky

We were also grateful to host researchers from the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, the Sea Turtle Conservancy at the University of Florida, UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute, Sea Turtle Hospital and the Alachua Conservation Trust about sea turtle conservation and careers in marine biology.

Special thanks to Mariela Pajuelo and Hannah Vander Zanden for organizing the event, and much appreciation to Dr. Ray Carthy for helping with the Project S.H.E.L.L. experience!