Turtle Day

Event Description

Enjoy some close encounters with endangered sea turtles and other marine life during Turtle Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the Marine Science Center.

Animal rehabilitation staff will explain how they care for injured birds and sea turtles. They will also have live animal and environmental presentations, while exhibitors from regional conservation organizations will provide information on area projects. Other activities will include live music, food and beverages, and crafts for children.

Attendees can learn about Volusia County’s marine environment and get their hands wet in the center’s touch pool, which features cownose rays and hermit crabs.

Admission to the Turtle Day event will be free.

Because parking is limited, attendees can park at the 7-Eleven store, 4618 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet, and catch a free shuttle to and from the Marine Science Center. The service will be provided from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Ponce Inlet Boat Ramp will be closed on the day of the event.

The Marine Science Center is an environmental learning center providing rehabilitation for sick and injured sea turtles and seabirds. Visitors can learn about marine life in the center’s exhibit hall, which includes a 1,400-gallon touch pool with rays, skates, sharks and horseshoe crabs, as well as a 5,000-gallon artificial reef aquarium, living reef and a gift shop. They also can watch turtles receive specialized care, walk along the nature trail and climb the observation tower.

Since opening in 2002, the Marine Science Center has cared for more than 25,000 turtles and other reptiles. The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Facility at the Marine Science Center has received more than 19,000 birds since opening in 2004.

For more information, call the Marine Science Center at 386-304-5545 or visit www.marinesciencecenter.com.