NSU Horizons Spring 2017

28 NSU HORIZONS visitors five days a week, and hosts school programs. “The center will give visitors of all ages a chance to experi- ence the commitment that NSU has to marine education,” said Derek Burkholder, Ph.D., director of the MEEC, principle investigator for the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program, and a research scientist with NSU’s Guy Harvey Research Institute and Save Our Seas Shark Center. Visitors also will see education in action with the center’s ability to care for a rehabilitated sea turtle. Captain, a green sea turtle, was struck by a boat in 2010 and entered rehabilitation in Georgia. Unfortunately, after years in rehab, veterinarians decided that, because of an inability to float properly and partial paralysis to her rear flippers, Captain would never be able to survive in the wild. She has two weights (weighing a total of 312 grams) attached to her shell that enable her to dive. “The center gives one of the many non-releasable sea turtles a permanent home and a chance to teach younger generations about the importance of caring for the environ- ment,” said Burkholder. “We expect Captain will be a big draw for visitors. The 27,000-gallon fenced pool exhibit where Captain resides also details the filtration and water-quality require- ments for housing a sea turtle. Visitors also will learn about enrichment, diet, husbandry, and animal care. Permanent outdoor exhibits show the sea turtle life cycle, types of sea turtles found throughout the world, and light- ing rules and regulations to protect sea turtle nesting areas. “We want to show the ways our decisions and actions can impact the marine world around us,” said Amy Hupp, B.A., MEEC program coordinator and caretaker. Young visitors receive interactive education about sea turtles, the beach, and marine life from Derek Burkholder, above, left; Glenn Goodwin, top; and Amy Hupp right.