Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Before leaving Juno Beach, we stopped by the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a sanctuary for injured sea turtles. The facility takes in turtles that have been harmed by boat propellers, fishing lines and nets, shark attacks, and other means. There is an on-site veterinary hospital that attends to the turtles' injuries and outdoor tanks where they can recuperate. The center also provides educational programs for children and adults which stress the need for conservation and protection for the turtles as their habitat is gradually taken away by development. It is staffed largely by volunteers who all are enthusiastic about the mission of the center.




This is "Kahuna" peering through the window in his recovery tank. The sign below explains what they think happened to him and what they have done to help him.




The "Adopt Me Today!" slogan is really an encouragement to donate to the center. No, you can't take one of these big boys home with you.

It's interesting that all of the dozens of turtles currently at the center have been named. We asked about this and were told that the staff names each turtle as it arrives and that they do not re-use names. It certainly helps to create a personal connection to each individual turtle.

Most of the turtles are released back into the sea once their injuries have healed. But some of the injuries are so severe that the turtles must live out the rest of their lives at the center where they are sure to receive excellent care.