Fifteen Eastern Pacific green sea turtles that were hatched at SeaWorld San Diego were recently introduced to the ocean.
The sea turtles, which were hatched in 2009 at the adventure park, were taken to the ocean on July 29. Officials anticipate the turtles will migrate south to normal feeding areas for this species along the coasts of Mexico and Central America.
While all of the animals received flipper identification tags as well as PIT tags that can be electronically scanned, two of the sea turtles were fitted with satellite transmitters that will allow scientists from the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute to monitor their movement for at least a month.
Sea turtles of various species have thrived at SeaWorld San Diego for more than 50 years. In October 2009, 82 Eastern Pacific green sea turtles hatched at the park’s Turtle Beach habitat.
Today, the turtles have grown to more than two feet in length and weigh more than 80 pounds.
As all of the sea turtles introduced to the ocean were male, they will spend the vast majority of their time at sea, unlike female sea turtles that would instinctually try to return to the beach where they hatched.
