From Hatchlings to Yearlings

Sea turtle hatchlings that came into our care last August are now yearlings. Many of you have followed their progress and growth. Soon they will be ready for release into the wild, after receiving the all clear from Aquarium veterinarian staff.

A vet examines one of the hatchlings when they first arrived last summer

To look back on the measurements of our 2014-2015 hatchlings, refer to the table in this post. We will continue to update their measurements until they are released. Releasing the turtles depends on several factors including veterinary clearance, weather and safe transportation to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. When all these factors align, our staff will transport the yearlings and release them.

A most recent photo of our loggerhead swimming on exhibit in September 2015

A photo of our loggerhead swimming on exhibit back in January 2015

The Gulf Stream is located near the Sargasso Sea, where many hatchling and juvenile sea turtles spend their time. Sea turtles find the Sargassum seaweed found here perfect for hiding from predators and to find food like small crabs and jelly fish. Check out our Sea Turtle Camouflage lesson plan: On the Sargasso Sea.

A sea turtle uses the Sargassum seaweed to help camouflage

Next week we will introduce our new hatchlings! For this week’s update, Turtle A weighs 2350 grams and is 25.3 cm long and Turtle B weighs 2535 grams and is 26.0 cm long. For more information on what to do with those numbers, please check out our lesson: Hatchling to Yearling.