FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Museum of Discovery and Science invites the entire family to participate in an evening of sea turtle discovery! Evening Turtle Walks take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings in June and July 2015. Visitors will enjoy an entire evening of sea turtle exploration and identification while uncovering the natural history and myths of turtles. Nature permitting, participants will have a chance to watch a 300 pound Loggerhead sea turtle venture out of the ocean to lay her eggs. A female loggerhead sea turtle may travel thousands of miles to return to the beach where she hatched as a baby to lay her own eggs as an adult.
The loggerhead sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean Sea and is a protected species. It spends most of its life in saltwater and estuarine habitats, with females briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. The loggerhead sea turtle has a low reproductive rate; females lay an average of four egg clutches and then become quiescent, producing no eggs for two to three years. The loggerhead has a lifespan of 30-60 years.
At 9:00 p.m., the adventure begins at the Museum of Discovery and Science with an informative hands-on session about turtles (land, fresh water and salt water) with an expanded focus on sea turtles. Guests will also meet the Museum’s Ambassador Loggerhead sea turtle who is almost one year old. Once it reaches an appropriate size it will be released in the ocean. Museum staff will provide answers to questions about nesting, threats and conservation before proceeding to the beach.The adventure continues to Fort Lauderdale beach where Museum expert guides lead guests to the sea turtle’s nesting grounds to look for amazing sea turtles. We cannot guarantee a sea turtle will be spotted on every walk but when it does happen it is a natural wonder that no one will ever forget.
President/CEO Kim Cavendish stated, “Sea Turtle Nesting Season is upon us! To witness a sea turtle lay their hatchlings is one of nature’s great spectacles! Participants will be talking about this amazing experience for years to come.”Guests should be prepared to walk approximately one to two miles, and provide their own transportation and snacks. Participants must be 9 years of age or older. Advance reservations are required as space is limited. Please call 954.713.0930 to make reservations. Prices are $18 for members and $20 for non-members. To learn more about Turtle Science watch this video
2015 Turtle Walk Dates
June 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 2015
July 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 2015ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE
The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for children and adults through exhibits, programs and films. Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility serves approximately 400,000 visitors annually. Major operational support for the Museum is provided through generous support by Leadership Guild members including: Broward Health, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun Sentinel, and Wells Fargo.
The Museum is open seven days a week, 365 days a year; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with extended IMAX® hours on most evenings. General Admission prices are $19 for adults; $18 seniors; $15 children 2 to 12. Children under 2 are free. A General Admission Ticket includes admission to the Museum exhibits and one classic IMAX movie. The Museum of Discovery and Science is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, visitors should call 954.467.MODS (6637) or visit our web site at www.mods.org
