Adopt a Turtle Nest at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Guests at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Out of the Wild merchandise location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom now can contribute to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund’s sea turtle conservation efforts through the Adopt-A-Nest Program.
The program, which launched July 5, 2007 offers Guests adoption packages for $50 that include: a Disney Worldwide Conservation Hero Button and an adoption certificate that lists the species of turtle and the date the nest was laid. Guests can use their certificate number to track their nest’s success and possible hatchings.
Proceeds from the program will benefit turtle and beach conservation efforts throughout the state of Florida.
Anne Savage, Ph.D., senior conservation biologist, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team, explains that this program is a great way to educate guests while raising funds for a great conservation effort, as all the funds raised through the program will go to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and sea turtle conservation efforts in Florida.
“Many of our guests who visit the resort are very interested in sea turtles,” Anne said. ”You can imagine how exciting it is for our guests to see a sea turtle nest and wonder how many hatchlings will make it to the ocean. Well, now they can adopt a sea turtle nest and not only learn how many hatchlings were in their nest but they also know that their contribution is helping to protect Florida’s sea turtles.”
So far the program has been a hit with guests both at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Sheryl Koenes, general manager, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (formerly general manager, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort) says, “This is an exciting way for our Guests to continue learning about sea turtles, as they track their nest and become further educated on all Disney does to conserve wildlife. It creates a connection long after they have traveled home.”
What is the Tour de Turtles?
The Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles is a sea turtle migration marathon. For at least three months, Tour de Turtles will follow multiple sea turtles, using satellite-tracking technology, as they travel from their respective nesting sites to unknown foraging grounds, with the goal of being the first to complete the 2,620 km marathon. By tracking sea turtle migrations, scientists can learn more about these mysterious mariners and the routes they take. This knowledge helps researchers, conservationists and governing agencies make more informed decisions about sea turtle conservation methods and policies.
Just as with human marathons, each turtle swims to raise awareness about a particular “cause” or threat to their survival. In 2008, Disney’s Animal Programs, Cruise Line, and Vacation Club teamed up to sponsor ”Lumiere,” an adult loggerhead who nested near Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Lumiere swam to raise awareness about light pollution which can disorient nesting females and hatchlings. Her release launched the Tour de Turtles event: Since Lumiere, “Dory” and “Iridessa” have also swum for light pollution in the 2009 and 2010 Tour de Turtles events. Will they follow Lumiere’s tracks to the gulf coast of Florida, or chart new paths? Follow them, along with this year’s turtles!
