Thirty-five guests of the Ritz Carlton accompanied the hatchlings and two Coral World staff members aboard Ritz Carlton’s flagship, the Lady Lynsey, to participate in the release and to learn about the threatened Green Sea Turtles.

“The turtle release aboard the Lady Lynsey is a great example of local businesses working together for the betterment of the community and the environment. For our guests, it’s an opportunity to learn about the animals and the environment around them and the impact they have on our land and our waters,” said Marc Langevin, General Manager of Ritz Carlton.

Three of the hatchlings were found in the Sapphire Beach Marina and the fourth hatchling on Coki Beach by concerned citizens and brought to Coral World in December 2007 for rehabilitation. The hatchlings were dehydrated, tired and disoriented. In their 45 days of rehabilitation, the hatchlings have quadrupled in size, weighing between 2.0 and 2.8 ounces on their release date.

Dr. William Coles, Endangered Species Coordinator for the Division of Fish and Wildlife noted, “45 days is mandated by law as the maximum number of days allowed for rehabilitation, unless there’s extenuating circumstances. The four hatchlings released on Valentine’s Day looked great!”

On average, Green Sea Turtles lay 135 eggs per nest. Most of these will hatch and emerge from the nest under the cover of nightfall and make their way to the ocean using different environmental cues such as the vibration of the waves hitting the ocean floor and the reflection of the moon off the water. Hatchlings have a 24-48 hour energy stored in a yolk sack from the time they hatch to the time they get into the ocean and past the breaking waves. After this energy store is used, they will have to pursue food on their own.

“Hawk’s Nest Bay, St. John is a great location for the hatchlings to get a start on their new life,” stated Peter Noah, Vice President and General Curator of Coral World. “It’s already a turtle nesting site and a safe location for release. It also has plenty of food and cover to give the hatchlings the best chance for survival.”

The public can help to ensure healthy hatchlings in their natural environment by keeping beach lighting to a minimum, removing trash from the beach so as not to impede the hatchlings’ pathway to the ocean, and leaving healthy hatchlings alone in their natural environment.

Coral World has been doing turtle rehabilitation since it reopened in 1997 as part of its mission to educate, entertain and inspire appreciation for the Caribbean marine environment.