Researchers from the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) and Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment (ASE) team released two loggerhead sea turtles at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort yesterday as part of the 12th annual Tour de Turtles “migration marathon.”
Tour de Turtles is a fun, educational journey that follows the migration of sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their feeding ground. Each female loggerhead turtle swims to raise awareness about one of the threats that sea turtles face each day.
Through the use of satellite telemetry, STC will track Ariel and Ursula – named after characters in Disney’s animated film The Little Mermaid – to determine how far the sea turtles swim. The one to swim the furthest distance wins.
Ursula is sponsored by the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) and will swim to raise awareness about the threat of plastic debris. Ariel, co-sponsored by Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team, will swim to raise awareness about the threat of light pollution.
The data collected during Tour de Turtles helps researchers, conservationists and governing agencies make more informed decisions about sea turtle conservation methods and policies.
Since the launch of the event in 2008, STC and Disney have partnered to study 20 loggerhead sea turtles outfitted with satellite transmitters and released from Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, which is less than a two-hour drive from Walt Disney World. The Disney Conservation Fund has also directed more than $3.5 million to help global sea turtle efforts and ensure a healthy population.
In addition to Tour de Turtles, members and guests staying at the Disney Vacation Club resort during this time also have the opportunity to join the team on turtle conservation and outings to observe the sea turtles and learn ways they can get involved.
To learn more and follow the turtles’ migration, visit the Tour de Turtles website at www.tourdeturtles.org.
Have you ever participated in the Tour de Turtles at Disney’s Vero Beach? We have! Click here to check out our 2017 review of the event. And drop us a note to let us know about your own experiences below!
Be sure to follow @allearsnet on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Click below to subscribe to the AllEars® newsletter so you don’t miss any of the latest Disney news!
Trending Now
There are new flower LEGO sets coming to ALDI tomorrow!
This restaurant is worth leaving the Disney World bubble for.
These are the prettiest Loungefly Mini Backpacks we've ever seen!
Some Disney World restaurants we once called iconic are in need of a change.
We are obsessed with this NEW Animal Kingdom Starbucks tumbler!
You can't miss this LEGO sale at ALDI!
If you collect Minnie ears, you'll want to follow these new rules!
Some BIG ride changes are coming up in Disney's Hollywood Studios soon!
Disney Adults have opinions, and apparently the spiciest ones are about…other Disney Adults. From line-saving...
We played Hide & Seek in Disney Springs, and you can find out who won...
Are the changes to the Disney Dining Plan still worth it?
Mornings are changing at the Magic Kingdom.
We've tried them all, and these are our favorite sunscreens.
Some rides experienced closures in Disney World yesterday.
Grab these LEGO sets before having to worry if they'll sell out!
Disney World has confirmed these hotel perks for 2027.
We tested three of the most popular walking shoes guests show up in (Hoka Clifton...
Two rides are reopening at Disneyland!
Ever wanted to customize a Mickey bar in Disney World? Well now, you can!
Two new Disney+ perks are available online right now!