PRESS RELEASE - Although her exact hatch date is unknown, the South Carolina Aquarium celebrates resident loggerhead turtle, Caretta’s, birthday every August. This year, Caretta turned 35! Read on to learn a little more about Caretta, courtesy of the South Carolina Aquarium and Advertising and Community Engagement Manager, Jessica Whatley.
“Even though our resident loggerhead, Caretta, isn’t part of the Sea Turtle Care Center, she is an important ambassador for her species.
Caretta was taken from a nesting site in Florida by a couple who wanted to keep her as a pet. The pair got a big surprise when their little hatchling eventually grew too large for her small enclosure, and Caretta was transported to the Aquarium du Quebec in Canada. From there, Caretta was brought to her permanent home at the South Carolina Aquarium where she has made quite the name for herself: Queen of the Great Ocean Tank.
Caretta is an excellent example of why we should never take hatchlings from the beach. Not only is it illegal because sea turtles are endangered, but they are also unsuitable pets due to their large size. While we’re sad Caretta’s life was altered by human impact, we’re so glad she found her home here at the Aquarium. Happy birthday, Caretta!”
Visit https://scaquarium.org to learn more, or to purchase tickets for your visit with the fabulous residents of South Carolina Aquarium.
