Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
On an early July morning, guests of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort were invited to witness the 10th annual Tour de Turtles where two loggerhead sea turtles would be released back into the big old blue.
Each turtle had a transmitter attached to their shells to track identify migratory patterns and raise greater awareness about the plight of their species.
Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Guests can track Sally and Cruz along with 18 other turtles released in different locations just by heading to www.tourdeturtles.org.
Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
All across the beach there were many activities for families and children to learn more about our friends the sea turtles, but one of the biggest draws was Captain Ron!
Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Captain Ron is a sea turtle egg sniffing pocket beagle that could/should have his own meet and greet. In case you don’t know, Captain Ron is an adorable beagle whose unique training enables him to help save sea turtles. The pup uses his nose to sniff out where sea turtle eggs are buried and by detecting their location, a conservation team can ensure the eggs stay protected from predators.
Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Guest were also able to see an excavation of a sea turtle nest and get an up close view of a day old hatchling before it was released into the ocean.
Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Of course, the main reason why we all had gathered on this chilly 90+ degree morning was still to come. As the 2017/2018 Walt Disney World Ambassadors Ken Facey and Brandon Peters began the final countdown, the crowd grew ready for the big moment where Sally and Cruz would “race” down the beach to return to the Atlantic Ocean.
Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Sally
Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Cruz
As you will see in the video, Sally took her time getting to the ocean but Cruz (not seen in the video) took off like her namesake and was back in the water in no time!
After such a HEATED race (because it was in the high 90s…) there was one thing left to do and Captain Ron had the right idea!
Tour de Turtles – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Remember to follow along with Sally, Cruz, and all the other sea turtles at www.tourdeturtles.org and learn how you can do your part in supporting and helping our shelled friends!