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June 4, 2009
Michelle Coats, APR
Community Information Specialist

Marine Science Center to release rehabilitated adult female loggerhead sea turtle June 10

Volusia County Marine Science Center (MSC) rehabilitation team members are planning the release of an adult female loggerhead sea turtle named Morgan at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10 (weather permitting). The beachside release will be on the north side of the county’s Winter Haven Park, 4589 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet.

From late February through March, the northeast coastline of Florida experienced a dramatic increase in the number of stranded sea turtles. Within six weeks, the MSC received more than 50 live sea turtles affected by an undetermined illness. Morgan was found stranded at Sun Splash Park in Daytona Beach on Feb. 25, around the beginning of the epidemic. After more than three months of intensive care, she has recovered and is ready to return to the ocean.

The Marine Science Center offers an innovative learning experience where visitors can discover, enjoy and appreciate the many wonders of marine life in environmentally rich Volusia County. The MSC offers a sea bird and sea turtle rehabilitation viewing area, teaching lab, nature trail and environmental exhibit gallery with guided tours. Several week-long summer camps also will begin June 15 for children grades 4 and up.

The Marine Science Center, 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet, is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4 for seniors, $5 for adults, $2 for children 3 -1 2, and free for children under 3. Learn more about this exciting facility and its work by visiting www.marinesciencecenter.com.

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