Hatchling Feedings
Weekends in August - September
Online registration for the 2019 season begins on June 1st at 10 a.m.
Join us in one of our Hatchling Feeding programs where guests are able to prepare the food for our hatchlings and assist the rehabilitation team with data collection of the hatchlings in our care. The program starts with a presentation about sea turtles and the hatchling journey, followed by preparation of hatchling food before feeding time. You will have the opportunity to observe the hatchlings feeding and foraging behavior and record data on who is eating and how much.
Hatchling Feedings are $15 per person 8 years and older. All individuals, including children, are required to pre-register online to reserve their spot. Children must be 8 years or older to attend a Hatchling Feeding.
We can only accommodate 10 people per program. Check-in on campus begins at 2pm and closes at 2:30pm. Please allow enough time to park and check in at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Greeter Desk by 2:30pm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
On the day of your Hatchling Feeding, please enter through the front entrance of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and sign in at the front desk. The program begins at 2:30 p.m. so please arrive up to 30 minutes prior.
What time should I arrive?
The program begins at 2:30 p.m. so please arrive up to 30 minutes prior. If you do not arrive by 2:30 p.m., your spot will be given to a waitlisted guest.
What can I do to buy time before my Hatchling Feeding program starts?
We offer a Public Guided Tour from 12 – 1 p.m. The cost is $8/adult, $5/child 3 years and older. We also have a wonderful gift store!
Can my young children participate?
Sorry, but children under 8 are not permitted.
What if it’s raining?
We run our program rain or shine and only close the Outdoor Sea Turtle Hospital in the event of lightning. If the forecast calls for rain, we recommend guests wear raincoats or ponchos.
What happens if there are no hatchlings to feed?
There is no guarantee that we will have sea turtle hatchlings in our hospital. In the event there are no hatchlings to feed, you will receive a tour of our hospital for a behind-the-scenes experience. We cannot offer refunds for any reason but all ticket sales directly benefit Loggerhead Marinelife Center, our sea turtles and our mission.
How does the program work?
Check in is at 2 p.m. and the program begins at 2:30 p.m. You will be led to the Learning Center, where you will learn about Loggerhead Marinelife Center and sea turtles! After the presentation, you will be led behind our gates where we will prepare the food for the hatchlings. Once all of the food has been prepared, LMC staff and volunteers will transfer the hatchlings to the feeding area.
You will have the opportunity to observe the hatchlings eating and record data on who is eating and how much. Please note: at NO TIME will guests be handling sea turtles. Sea turtles are protected species and require special permitting to touch, handle, or feed.
How long is the program?
The program is two hours in duration
Can I take pictures?
Of course! We only ask that you refrain from using flash photography and keep your camera/phone close to your body to prevent it from being held over the feeding bins. These practices will ensure your device is kept safe and there is no harm posed to our sea turtle patients.
What if all the dates or the one I wanted are sold out?
If the date you wanted is booked and you want to take a chance, come to Loggerhead Marinelife Center at 2:30 p.m. and wait to see if other ticket holders do not show. Your best chance is to be the first name to check in so you can be the first name on the waiting list. Walk-ins are a flat rate of $20 per person and we CANNOT guarantee your entire party will be able to be accommodated.