Aqua Kids meet Mote turtles

The campers learned about various types of turtles on Aug. 2.

  • By Katie Johns
  • | 12:20 p.m. August 2, 2017
  • Longboat Key
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Huddled in a circle in one of Mote Marine Laboratory’s education rooms, the Aqua Kids were ready to make a new friend.

Camp instructor Kylie Gray introduced them to Sam, one of the turtles who resides in a tank in the room. Sam is not a sea turtle, he’s a dry land turtle.

When each camper had taken a turn gently petting Sam, Gray put him back and let the campers explore the other tanks in the room. Booger and Homer, two other turtles, were popular.

Campers put their fingers up to the tanks and giggled as the turtles touched their noses to the other side of the tank.

After acquainting themselves with the other turtles, the campers circled up again while Gray showed them a loggerhead turtle shell.

The Aqua Kids camp is open to those entering third through fifth grade. Throughout the week campers explored animal relationships and learned how the ocean and outer space are connected.

The Aqua Kids met Sam, a dry land turtle who lives in one of Mote’s education centers.
The Aqua Kids met Sam, a dry land turtle who lives in one of Mote’s education centers.
Max Mahler watches as instructor Kiley Gray brings Sam the turtle back to his tank.
Max Mahler watches as instructor Kiley Gray brings Sam the turtle back to his tank.
Ruby Jurgiel watches one of Mote’s turtles swim around his tank.
Ruby Jurgiel watches one of Mote’s turtles swim around his tank.
Faith McCue sticks her finger on the glass to attract one of the turtles, Homer.
Faith McCue sticks her finger on the glass to attract one of the turtles, Homer.
Faith McCue watches one of the turtles swim around his tank.
Faith McCue watches one of the turtles swim around his tank.
Camp instructor Kiley Gray shows the campers a loggerhead turtle shell.
Camp instructor Kiley Gray shows the campers a loggerhead turtle shell.
Camp instructor Kiley Gray shows the campers a loggerhead turtle skull.
Camp instructor Kiley Gray shows the campers a loggerhead turtle skull.
Marin Walters raises her hand to answer a sea turtle question.
Marin Walters raises her hand to answer a sea turtle question.
Danica Aten shows how small a turtle’s head can be.
Danica Aten shows how small a turtle’s head can be.
Faith McCue, Danica Aten and Marin Walters are surprised when their instructor shows them a turtle skull.
Faith McCue, Danica Aten and Marin Walters are surprised when their instructor shows them a turtle skull.
Max Mahler puts his finger to the glass as one of the turtles swims to it.
Max Mahler puts his finger to the glass as one of the turtles swims to it.
Ellis Henry and Max Mahler try to get one of the turtle’s attention.
Ellis Henry and Max Mahler try to get one of the turtle’s attention.
Ruby Jurgiel, Danica Aten and Marin Walters watch the turtles swim around their tank.
Ruby Jurgiel, Danica Aten and Marin Walters watch the turtles swim around their tank.
Marin Walters gently pets Sam, one of the turtles.
Marin Walters gently pets Sam, one of the turtles.
Camp instructor Kiley Gray shows the campers a loggerhead turtle shell.
Camp instructor Kiley Gray shows the campers a loggerhead turtle shell.

 

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