One of the planet’s oldest species is facing the threat of extinction. Sea turtles have existed since the age of dinosaurs, and for many people it is difficult to imagine the ocean without them.
At Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), you can adopt a sea turtle. An adoption donation helps fund the continued research of this endangered species. Sea turtle hatchlings face a difficult journey to adulthood, with many natural and human-based threats standing in their way. Only one in every 5,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood. Their survival today is also threatened by human activity. Disturbances of nesting beaches jeopardize the sea turtles’ survival, including development, beach lighting, sea walls, jetties, erosion control structures and nighttime activity on the beach.
So, why should you adopt a sea turtle?
1. Your money will go straight to where it is needed
The Gordon and Patricia Gray Veterinary Hospital at LMC treated 88 green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, loggerhead and olive ridley sea turtles in 2013 as well as 519 hatchlings. Your sea turtle adoption directly supports this effort by providing funding for medication, tank maintenance, food and veterinary care.
2. You can help save these truly wonderful creatures
LMC biologists counted 12,907 nests on 9.5 miles of beach last year, resulting in over 1 million eggs laid and over 400,000 hatchlings reaching the water. Your nest adoption provides funding critical to the continued survival of these threatened and endangered animals.
3. You’ll feel proud you helped
It doesn’t matter if you adopt a sea turtle for yourself or for a loved one; you can be proud knowing you have personally helped better the world for the lives of these majestic creatures.
4. You can get a personalized adoption gift package
The community can help save the loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtle species by “adopting” a nest, starting at only $35. All money raised goes to support LMC’s programs and sea turtles. The adoption includes a personalized certificate and letter, a glossy photograph, educational materials, and a follow-up about nesting after the season is finished. Additional adoption levels are available which include a LMC branded tote bag, sea turtle stuffed animal, magnet, and DVD.
5. And last but not least: they’re just plain cute!
Written by: Rebeca Krogman, LMC Marketing Intern (Summer 2014)