|
FOR
IMMEDIATE
RELEASE |
December 21,
2009 |
High definition photos available at
www.echovermont.org/visitors/photos.html
EASING INTO A NEW SHELL
Over Winter Baby Turtles Welcomed at ECHO
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Where can baby indigenous turtles find a cozy
home for the winter? At ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center,
at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain of course! For the fourth
year, a cadre of Spiny Softshell, Northern Map, and Painted
turtles will be spending the winter safely housed within ECHO’s
walls.
Many people know ECHO as a great resource for experiencing local
critters, but ECHO also has animals that only “winter” on-site.
Through the efforts of Vermont State Biologist Steven Parren and
volunteers, ECHO has helped hundreds of animals get a
“head-start” before being re-released into their natural
habitat.
The Spiny Softshell turtles are an especially high priority for
conservation because of their small population, habitat loss,
egg predation, and disturbances near their nesting areas. The
turtles come to ECHO after being rescued by Vermont Fish and
Wildlife volunteers during an annual habitat and nest protection
effort at various locations around the state.
ECHO Animal Care Staff will bolster the stewardship and
awareness effort through regular demonstrations on Saturday and
Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. that allow guests to see the
turtles up-close, highlight the various species’ unique
adaptations, and point out their roles in the ecosystem. “The
over-winter turtles are the ultimate animal ambassador for
ECHO,” lauds Steve Smith, Director of Facilities and Exhibits.
“The opportunity for stewardship that this project offers is one
that is personally rewarding and also creates a wonderful
learning experience for all ECHO visitors.”
Through the dedication of Parren, and the daily care provided by
ECHO Animal Care, these turtles will be given a second chance —
and when released next spring, they will support our mutual goal
of enhancing the population of turtles in the Lake Champlain
Basin.
So this winter, don’t miss the unique chance to experience these
adorable hatchlings before they venture back into the wilds of
the Lake Champlain Basin!
# # # ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is located
at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, on Vermont’s Burlington
Waterfront. ECHO features 70 live species, more than 100
interactive experiences, changing and permanent exhibits and
seasonal events — all exploring the Ecology, Culture, History,
and Opportunity for stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin. The
2.2 acre Leahy Center environmental campus is also highlighted
by the Lake Champlain Basin Program Resource Room, UVM’s
Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory, Lake Champlain Navy
Memorial, ECHO’s Eclectic Gift Shop, and ecology-themed Think!
Café. Open year-round, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving,
Christmas Eve & Day. For more information visit echovermont.org,
call (toll-free) 1.877.324.6386, or write to ECHO Lake Aquarium
and Science Center, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, One College
Street, Burlington, VT 05401.
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1.802.864.1848
