Turtle travel tips
This intrepid loggerhead turtle hatchling and two equally valiant aquarists are flying across the country today! The hatchling was rescued as part of the North Carolina Aquariums’ Sea Turtle Program, and is heading tp the Monterey Bay Aquarium for a year of care until it’s big enough to be released back into the ocean.
We’ve been fostering rescued baby loggerhead turtles since 2013. Here are some turtle travel tips we follow to keep these little reptiles healthy and comfy in the skies:
1. Stay hydrated
Ocean critters like to stay hydrated! So how do we take a turtle on a plane? Before setting out, aquarists apply a water-based jelly to its shell and body. The jelly keeps the turtle hydrated throughout the journey and dissolves harmlessly into the water when the turtle arrives at the Aquarium.
2. Prepare for temperature changes
Our well-ventilated turtle travel case includes a heating pad to keep the turtle at a comfortable 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Aquarists bring along an extra heating device in case the first one has any technical problems. If the cabin gets too warm for a turtle’s liking, they’ll move the case to a cooler spot on the floor.
4. Keep in touch
Once the turtles are ready for release, each gets its very own satellite tracker to help us keep tabs on it out in the big blue! Turtle tagging also allows researchers to study turtle travel patterns and learn more about them.
Learn how aquariums and zoos across the country are working together to help this endangered species.