Disney’s Conservation Team recently released 4 green sea turtles back into the ocean at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The turtles had been receiving months of specialized care at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot.
Related – Disney Continues it’s commitment to Conservation & Protecting the Magic of Nature
The threatened juvenile sea turtles, ranging in size from 6.5 to 10 pounds, were rescued near Vero Beach this past spring after washing ashore malnourished, dehydrated and lethargic. In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the sea turtles were first taken to the Brevard Zoo and later transported to The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT for further medical care. A team of Disney animal care professionals worked to nurse the sea turtles back to health, giving them much-needed fluids, antibiotics and nourishment.
“All seven species of sea turtles around the world are considered to be threatened or endangered,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team. “We recognize that every sea turtle counts toward reversing the decline. The successful rehabilitation and release of these green sea turtles demonstrates the incredible dedication of our Cast Members and Disney’s overall commitment to wildlife conservation.”
The home base for Disney’s sea turtle conservation efforts in Florida is at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, located on the southern boundary of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, considered the most important nesting region for loggerhead sea turtles in the world. More than 50 cast members contribute their time and expertise annually to the sea turtle conservation program, providing meaningful experiences for the general public, Disney Vacation Club Members and guests at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.
During sea turtle nesting season, from approximately April to October, Disney Conservation Team Wildlife conducts daily surveys of the five miles of beach surrounding the resort to identify, mark and monitor sea turtle nests, as well as determine the number of sea turtle hatchlings. Since the start of the sea turtle conservation program in 2003, Disney has recorded more than 1 million sea turtle hatchlings in the area. More broadly, The Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $4 million to sea turtle conservation efforts around the world.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, a Disney Vacation Club Resort, offers spacious vacation villas along the pristine Atlantic coastline. The resort is located less than a two-hour drive from the Walt Disney World Resort, and its design reflects the Treasure Coast region where it is situated. Disney Vacation Club, a leader in vacation ownership, debuted in 1991 with a flexible, vacation points-based system rather than the traditional fixed-week timeshare model. Disney Vacation Club Members are able to choose from among a variety of exciting vacation destinations, including a stay at any Disney Vacation Club Resort or one of thousands of other vacation options in destinations around the world.
Photo Credit: Disney Conservation
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