Adopt-a-Sea-Turtle

Check out our sea turtle nest at this link. Our nest number is CCN12.

[|sea turtle nest]

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Dear Conservation Partner, Once again, thank you for participating in our Adopt-a-Nest program. In this highly unusual year, cold temperatures affected sea turtle nesting habits, but we're happy to report your sea turtle "mom" has created a nest near our Vero Beach Resort, and her hatchlings are incubating! But they're not out of the sand just yet... The success of your nest depends on many factors, both above and below the sand's surface. During the two-month incubation period, some hurdles can inhibit the nesting area and the emergence of your sea turtle hatchlings. Believe it or not, something as simple as beach furniture (tents, chairs, toys, tubs, etc.) can block or even trap a sea turtle attempting to reach and build her nest. Although many nature and wildlife organizations work hard to mark and protect current nesting sites, the "ancient mariners" are at risk during the nesting season. In addition to physical hindrances, unleashed pets can harm sea turtle nests and poaching - theft of turtle eggs - can also pose threats. And, that's not all. Temperature, humidity, salinity, rainfall and erosion all play a role in the eggs' survival. It all starts in the sand. ** Sea turtle gestation (meaning the growing process before hatching) is as amazing as it is ancient. In the past month or so, a female sea turtle emerged from the ocean (most likely at night) to build her nest and lay up to 120 eggs in a nest dug deep in the sand. Using her flippers, she pushed sand over the eggs and left - never to return. Inside each egg is an embryo that will spend the next two months incubating. While the embryo starts out as a few cells, it soon begins to develop its head, eyes, limbs and internal organs. At the time she lays her eggs, the female sea turtle stores energy in the egg yolk that moves to the cells of the embryo, supplying nourishment and helping it grow. Amazingly, the developing embryo breathes through its thin, porous shell, taking in oxygen and producing heat and carbon dioxide. Warmed by the Florida sun, the beach sand acts as an egg incubator that will actually "predict" the sex of each hatchling. Surprisingly, cooler sand (82°F) creates more male hatchlings, while warmer sand (88°F) results in more females. We want to thank you for both your nest adoption - and your patience. Keep a watchful eye on your nest and look out for another letter from us in the coming weeks. Sincerely, Your friends at Disney Educational Productions
 * So, what happens during gestation?