Published: October 20, 2009 02:42 pm      

Turtleween not a trick, but a treat for turtle enthusiasts

Jekyll Island, Ga. — The Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) is calling all parents to bring their young “hatchlings,” put on their best costumes, and head down to Jekyll Island for some non-spooky turtle-tastic Halloween fun.

On Saturday, October 24th from noon to 4 p.m., the community is invited to trick or treat with the sea turtles for the 3rd Annual “Turtleween” celebration. Guests who come in costume will receive $1 off regular admission for the added festivities. The afternoon will include bobbing for jello jellyfish, enjoying Griffin’s milkshake medication station, decorating treat bags, and face painting. Kids will also visit various stations for special treats. All kids wearing turtle costumes will also be entered in the Sea Turtle Center’s costume contest for a grand prize. The Center for Wildlife Education of Georgia Southern University will also be showcased at Turtleween where visitors can have hands-on encounters with a variety of snakes and creepy crawlers! Several birds of prey will also be on hand for viewing and photo opportunities.

“This has become a Georgia Sea Turtle Center tradition, and it’s wonderful to incorporate learning into the fun of Halloween,” said Dr. Terry Norton, Director of the GSTC. “We all look forward to seeing the kids in their costumes, and the booths and activities our staff put together are always fantastic!”

This event is free with paid admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. For more information, call (912) 635-4076.



About the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island is an operating department of the Jekyll Island Authority and receives financial contributions through the Jekyll Island Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center officially opened June 2007 in Jekyll Island, Ga.'s National Historic Landmark District on the site of the original 1903 Power Plant building. Much of the original building has been preserved and incorporated into the new facilities.  The only one of its kind in the nation, the $3 million Georgia Sea Turtle Center offers an outstanding museum-style learning experience, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center, and a renowned veterinary clinic. It is one of the

world's leading sea turtle rehabilitation, research and education facilities. The center is an interactive, educational environment with opportunities for guests to get up-close and personal with recuperating sea turtles and hands-on activities.  For more information about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and its programs, visit www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org.



About Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a barrier island on Georgia’s coast, midway between Jacksonville, Fla. and Savannah, GA. Accessible by car just minutes from I-95, Jekyll Island offers a variety of amenities, including 10 miles of beach, four golf courses, a 250-acre Historic Landmark District, water park, tennis center, and an array of lodging options including hotels, cottages and campgrounds.

Owned by the State of Georgia, and managed by the Jekyll Island State Park Authority, Jekyll Island’s development is limited to just 35 percent of its available land area. This unique aspect of Jekyll Island serves to preserve the critical barrier island ecosystem, and provide guests with a unique escape from the crowds and complications of other beach resort destinations. Please visit www.jekyllisland.com for more information or call 1-877-4JEKYLL.