[Columbia, SC] - The South Carolina Aquarium, in partnership with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, released two loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) into the “nursery of the Atlantic” yesterday.  Both young loggerheads were released offshore in floating mats of sargassum weed. In addition to being one of the great nurseries in the Atlantic, sargassum plays an important role in the life cycle of loggerhead sea turtles. When baby sea turtles hatch on the Atlantic coast, they swim 40-60 miles until they reach floating mats of algae. It is there that they find shelter and food and live the first few years of their lives.

The partnership formed between Riverbanks and the South Carolina Aquarium assists the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) in helping sea turtle hatchlings survive the first critical year of their life. The first of the two loggerheads is a 15 month-old that hatched from a nest on Sullivan’s Island and was raised at Riverbanks. The second is a loggerhead hatchling artificially incubated by the SC DNR to assure that it hatched. Too weak to swim out to the ocean, it was brought to the South Carolina Aquarium to regain strength. This artificially incubated hatchling was rescued from what was thought to be a Kemp's ridley sea turtle nest when hurricane Ernesto threatened the South Carolina coast. Kemp's ridley, a critically endangered sea turtle species has rising nesting numbers in the Gulf and researchers want to document nests along the east coast that may be a result of the Gulf increase.

“Hatchlings are at great risk of predation from other animals, making survivability very low. By assisting SC DNR and rearing these hatchlings, our hope is we can increase the longevity of their life,” said Jennifer Rawlings, Senior Aquarist at Riverbanks. “At the same time, we hope these hatchlings can serve as ambassadors for their species and help to educate the public about the dangers they face,” said Kelly Thorvalson, Sea Turtle Rescue Program Coordinator for the South Carolina Aquarium.

The released sea turtles have been properly conditioned to feed on their own in the ocean. Typically sea turtles live in algae found in the Gulf Stream and feed on small fish, crustaceans and jellyfish for the first 25 years of their life. Around this time the turtle will prepare to reproduce, bringing it closer to the shore.

More than 90% of hatchlings are eaten by predators. These predators include birds, raccoons, fish, dogs and other animals that lurk either on the beach or in the water. Once they reach adulthood the danger is minimal, although sharks and whales remain. The exact lifespan of sea turtles is estimated to be around 80 years. Determining the sea turtle population is difficult because females are typically the only sea turtles that come ashore.

“This program is extremely rewarding. Our three organizations are working together to make a positive impact on the sea turtle population,” said Rawlings.

All species of sea turtles are currently listed as endangered. Nesting season for the loggerhead sea turtle, South Carolina’s state reptile, runs from mid-May to mid-August. The average nest has 126 eggs. In South Carolina it is illegal to interfere with a sea turtle or the eggs. The SC DNR has requested that the public report sea turtle sightings by phone at (843) 953-9015 or through their website: www.dnr.sc.gov. Volunteer opportunities and other general information on loggerhead sea turtles is available at SC DNR’s website.

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The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbor and interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.

The South Carolina Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is open Monday - Saturday from 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm (last ticket sold at 5:00pm) from April 1 to August 15 and is open Monday – Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm (last ticket sold at 4:00pm) from August 16 to March 31. The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 25, and half day Dec. 24 (open 9:00am to 1:00pm). Admission prices are: Children 2 and under (free); Youth 3-11 ($8); Adults ($15); Seniors 62+ ($13). Military, senior, college and group discounts are available. For more information call 843.720.1990 or visit www.scaquarium.org. Memberships are available by calling 843.577.FISH.