June 16th is World Sea Turtle Day!

World Sea Turtle Day, June 16, is a day used to honor and highlight the importance of sea turtles. These creatures, like any other creature, are magnificent in their own way. Not only are sea turtles beautiful animals, but they also show incredible perseverance and resiliency– after all, they have been nesting on beaches for millions of years. So of course they deserve their own day dedicated to their awesomeness!

World Sea Turtle Day would not be rightfully celebrated without mentioning, Dr. Archie Carr, STC’s founder and “father of sea turtle biology.” World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated the same day as Dr. Carr’s birthday, June 16. Dr. Carr will forever be remembered for the enhancement of the sea turtle conservation movement and the legacy he has left behind. His research and advocacy brought the attention to the threatening conditions that continue to impact sea turtles. His work highlighted the issue and helped create the community that continues to strive for a better life and future for sea turtles.

This weekend, STC held a tribute celebration at the Florida Museum of Natural History, which included sea turtle related art and craft activities for children as well as conservation education and sea turtle specimens provided by the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research at the University of Florida. The event was covered in an article by the Gainesville Sun, which also detailed some of the history of the Sea Turtle Conservancy and its founder, Dr. Archie Carr.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="480"] Archie Carr Hall at the University of Florida | Photo courtesy of Tom Carr[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="480"] Dr. Archie Carr & Marjorie Harris Carr in Tortuguero | Photo courtesy of Tom Carr[/caption]

Head over to the Sea Turtle Conservancy's website for the rest of the post, including more about World Sea Turtle Day and the things you can do to celebrate sea turtles, including recycling, keeping beaches clean, and turning off your lights. If you're the adventurous type, you can check out our sea turtle research study abroad program in partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Plus, there's no better day than today to learn about how you can help support the fantastic work of the Sea Turtle Conservancy by becoming a member, adopt a sea turtle, or give a donation to support their wonderful work.

[caption id="attachment_9506" align="alignleft" width="459"] A Green Turtle returns to sea at Tortuguero Beach | Photo courtesy of Tom Carr[/caption]