VERO BEACH, Fla. – For 17 years, a Disney tradition has been celebrating an iconic Florida species.
Between March and October, Disney Conservation and the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) keep a close eye on the sands at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.
“It’s one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the world. We’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep,” said Dr. Mark Penning, vice president of Disney’s Animal, Science and Environment.
On Saturday, conservation partners, Vero Beach guests, and members of the public watched two large sea turtles enter the Atlantic Ocean waters to begin their migration journey.
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Tour de Turtles is an educational event that follows the migration of sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their feeding grounds. Hitched with satellite transponders on their shells, each sea turtle pings back data showing just how far they swim during the migration season. Penning says allowing guests to see the science in action helps them learn about turtle migration all the more.
Florida is seeing another strong year following what was a record 2023 nesting season for loggerhead and green turtles. The Disney Conservation Team has recorded 22,000 sea turtle nests since the very beginning of the program and has helped an estimated 1.8 million sea turtle hatchlings take their first strokes on the five-mile stretch of beach at the resort.
“Ninety percent of a sea turtle’s life is spent in the water. Ninety percent of their life is more of a mystery,” said Dr. Zak Gezon, conservation director of the Disney Conservation Team. “We really need to gain insight into what they’re doing during that time, and where they go.”
This year, Disney is tracking two new nesting sea turtles, named Ebb and Flo, with the tracking devices in collaboration with the STC. As per tradition, the names have a Disney connection. Ebb and Flo are inspired by a new Disney Junior animated series.
“This project is a great science project, and it gives us valuable information about what those animals are doing,” Penning said. “But it also makes people who are watching appreciate the fact that we’re sharing that space with their sea turtles.”
The satellite transmitters are a critical tool for scientists to learn about the best way to protect sea turtles. As for the public, picking up litter and using reusable alternatives like bags and bottles are simple solutions to cut down on single-use plastic, which can help waterways.
For more information about Turtle Conservation at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, click here.
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