Two Green Sea Turtles Ring In The New Year As Ambassadors
Dolphin Quest Oahu (DQO) rings in 2010 with two new green sea turtles. As part of an ambassador program, the young turtles will help educate visitors about the endangered sea turtles’ plight. Known by the nicknames 44 and 51, the one-and-a-half-year-old siblings will soon receive Hawaiian names through a contest sponsored by The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
Dolphin Quest Oahu will release the turtles into the ocean when they reach approximately three years of age. To help the turtles thrive in the wild, minimal training and handling will occur during their ambassadorship. Although the turtles receive a special diet prepared by DQO’s aquarist, the animals keep their foraging skills and graze on algae.
This will be the fifth pair of turtles successfully raised at DQO. The previous pair, Mahina and Makana, was released into the ocean in November. The ambassador program not only helps people learn about turtles, but also provides valuable data. DQO shares its records with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency focused on the condition of the oceans and the atmosphere.
Within a few days of arriving, 44 and 51 adjusted to their new home. The biggest change involved living in a lagoon with sand, algae and other aquatic life. The turtles previously resided in a tank environment and at first were startled by DQO’s tropical fish. The turtles have become used to their lagoon mates and are flourishing. In one month, number 44 has grown one inch in length and gained 1.5 pounds, bringing its weight to eight pounds. Number 51 has grown two inches in length and gained 2.2 pounds, tipping the scales at nine pounds.
The turtles currently have identification numbers on their shells (a non-toxic paint was used), but the numbers will fade and disappear over time. The two turtles, however, are easy to tell apart. Number 44 has bright, white tips on the front flippers and prefers its food served wrapped in lettuce. Number 51 sports a darker shell and is known for a hearty appetite.
Stop by to see them soon!
