Exhibit will feature more than 20 different turtle species.
The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey announced a new turtle exhibit that will enable visitors to see and learn about more than 20 different species of turtles. Called Turtles: Journey of Survival, the exhibit runs from January 14 to March 24, 2013, and will showcase endangered and vulnerable turtle species such as loggerheads (Caretta caretta), green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), radiated tortoises (Geochelone (Astrochelys) radiata), and red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis Geochelone carbonaria), as well as the northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) , a species native to the region around Camden. Visitors will learn about turtle biology, their evolution, habitats, and characteristics unique to each species. The exhibit will also feature appearances by special characters, live shows, and educational programming designed to give visitors a glimpse into the lives of these ancient reptiles.
Adventure Aquarium's Turtles: Journey of Survival runs from January 14 to March 24. Photo courtesy Adventure Aquarium
“We’re confident this exhibit will be a hit with our guests due to the simple fact that turtles are so adored by people of all ages,” said Nikki Grandinetti, Curator of Fish & Invertebrates at Adventure Aquarium, who was instrumental in organizing the collection. “We’re very proud of this collection and look forward to showcasing this broad range of exquisite turtle and tortoise species for our guests.”
Visitors will have a chance to learn how some turtles camouflage themselves to hunt for prey or emit a high pitched scream to scare away predators, or to simply learn why the painted wood turtle dances for its food. The exhibit will also feature the biggest freshwater turtle in North America as well as the largest hard-shelled sea turtle species.
Visitors will also get a chance to see the aquarium's newest additions; two juvenile loggerhead sea turtles that were rescued and sent to the aquarium. The first is a hatchling that is just a few months old and the second is a yearling that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service deemed "non-releasable." Both turtles will be cared for by staff at the Adventure Aquarium. For more information about the new turtle exhibit at the Adventure Aquarium, visit the aquarium's website.
