Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles Get A Helping Hand

Posted bykristennelsondvm

The Sea Life Park of Hawaii has been trying to help the endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle population by releasing hatchings from artificial nest sites back into the ocean. In 1989, a few hatchlings were held back and raised at various locations across the United States and Canada. When the turtles upper shell reached 40cm or greater in length, they were released into the ocean. On the Fourth of July, turtles who have grown large enough are released at the Beach of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel in what is called “Turtle Independence Day.” The hotel even has several young turtles in their fish ponds where they can mature, protected from predators.

Pictured below is a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle basking on the beach at the Mauna Lani Hotel’s beach. Maybe it’s one of the graduates.  Enjoy!
                                   

Source:
-Balazs, G. et al, ‘Adaptation of Captive-reared Green Sea Turtles Released Into Hawaiian Coastal Foraging Habitats, 1990-1999’, Proceedings of the Twentieth Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, February 29-March 4, 2000, Orlando, Florida. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFSC-477:187-189.

Published by kristennelsondvm

Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.