Sea Turtles and More | MEEC | NSU Ocean | Nova Southeastern University

Sea Turtles

Though the ocean is normally the best place for a sea turtle to live, permanently injured turtles need extra care. The MEEC is home to “Captain” and “Cane”, two resident sea turtles deemed non-releasable due to injuries sustained in their wild homes.

Get introduced to their stories below, then join us Tuesday through Saturday for their afternoon feeding at 3:30 p.m.

Captain

Found stranded as a juvenile in Mayport Naval Basin, she was transported to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) on Jekyll Island. Captain had a boat strike wound on the rear of her shell and two stomach injuries. Her rear flippers were partially paralyzed, and she sustained intestinal damage caused by her buoyancy problems. She joined the MEEC in 2017. During your visit, you will likely see Captain sporting her weighted “backpack”, which assists with her buoyancy issues.

Cane

Found stranded as a sub-adult in Martin County, Florida, she was transported to Gumbo Limbo Nature (GLNC) in Boca Raton. Cane, sustained extensive injuries from suspected shark predation, resulting in the loss of 60% of both front flippers and significant scarring around her right eye. She joined the MEEC in 2024. During your visit, you will likely see Cane “hiding” in her seagrass installation enrichment.

Meet Our Resident Sea Turtles

And More!

The MEEC also hosts “Clem” (a Diamondback Terrapin), “Stella” (a Florida Box Turtle), and “Cashew” (a Red-Eared Slider). While their conservation story is different, they educate guests about pet stewardship and invasive/exotic species management. Come upstairs to meet them and learn more!