Our tiny sea turtle was hatched on Sept. 13, on Sapelo Island . It is a Loggerhead Sea Turtle, the most common to nest on the Georgia Barrier Islands. It was recovered by a Department of Natural Resources biologist because it could not find its way to the sea on its own. We received it 5 days later, and at that time it weighed 20 grams and could easily fit in the palm of your hand. Check out this movie of him swimming!

One month later, our baby sea turtle, now named First Lieutenant Squirty O'Brien, has increased its body weight by 25% to 26 grams. We carefully check its body weight to determine how much food to feed it, which we do twice daily. Using tweezers, we hold little pieces of fish, squid, or shrimp in front of its mouth. Squirty quickly learned what to do and now very excitedly reaches for its dinner. When the food is accidentally dropped, the cute little Loggerhead will dive for it.

Our cute little Squirty had his first birthday on September 13th, 2007! He has grown so much since we got him one year ago. He has grown to be 2,000 grams and is now 26 cm long! He is now able to dive for his food, so we no longer have to hand feed him. He lives with several fish and has a great time swimming around and diving with them. Squirty also loves it when people come and visit him; he will come over and show off for you and spend as much time with students as possible!!