A Turtle Tale

I once knew a sea turtle, and her story's quite a tale. She traveled over 1,000 miles, her aim was not to fail.

She was headed to a southern beach, the same one on which she hatched. She finally arrived and started her trek, a trek that dared to be matched.

She was tired and worn from her long ocean swim, yet she pulled herself up on the shore. She scooped out a nest in the soft sandy, beach, knowing exactly what was in store.

She laid 100 eggs in that coastal nest, and covered them all up with sand. She returned to the sea that very same night, leaving her hidden eggs up on the land.

Then two months later something amazing occurred - hatchlings emerged from the nest! They scrambled about trying to get to the ocean, their instincts just wouldn't rest.

Their journey, however, had just begun, the light of the moon was the key. Across the wide beach they must race for the waves, to begin their life in the sea.

Using the maze below, pretend you are a sea turtle hatchling, and try to find the way to the ocean. But beware...you never know what's going to cross your path!

Congratulations!

You made it to the ocean!

Luckily, none of this happened...

Natural Predators
Although adult sea turtles have few natural predators (mostly large sharks), hatchlings are often eaten by dogs, birds, racoons, ghost crabs and large fish.

Artificial Beach Lighting
Hatchlings are strongly attracted to light sources along the beach, including street-lights, porchlights, car headlights and commercial signs. These artificial light sources confuse their nighttime journey, misdirecting them away from the ocean.

Every year, Sea World rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles and other marine animals. Come visit some of these rescued reptiles at Key West a Sea World's Turtle Point.

Learn How to Draw a Dolphin

SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database
www.seaworld.org / www.buschgardens.org