A group of hatchlings rests on a towel.

Our Sea Turtle Healing Center is caring for 42 sea turtle hatchlings in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias.

Unfortunately, about half of them are perfectly healthy sea turtles brought directly to the Zoo or Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS) by well-meaning individuals. Remember that sea turtles of every size are federally protected, and it is illegal for members of the public to touch them. If you find one you believe is in distress, call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC or STPS (in Brevard County only) at 321-206-0646 for instructions before taking any further action.

We plan to release the healthy sea turtles later today. The hatchlings who need extra help will stay with us for a few days for some much-needed rest, then be returned to the beach later this week.

As a not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funds for operations, we rely on earned income from Zoo admission and your generosity to finance our Sea Turtle Healing Center and other conservation programs. Click here to make a contribution.