Disney Celebrates Eighth Annual Tour de Turtles

This past weekend, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort hosted the annual Tour de Turtles. Now in its eighth year, the migration marathon aims to help researchers better understand sea turtle habits and promote awareness about conservation through fun, family-friendly activities.

Researchers from the Sea Turtle Conservancy and Disney’s Animal Programs secured satellite transmitters to the shells of two loggerhead sea turtles, Tinker Bell and Marina, to gather data on their migratory patterns and learn more about the species to ensure their long-term survival. Disney Vacation Club members and resort guests were invited to the shores of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort to cheer Tinker Bell and Marina on as they made their return to the sea.

During sea turtle nesting season, resort guests and Disney Vacation Club members are also invited to join the Disney’s Animal Programs team to observe the sea turtles and discover ways they can get involved in the cause through the Disney Conservation Fund to support conservation efforts in Florida. Through events like Tour de Turtles, Disney hopes to create opportunities for guests to connect with nature and to inspire interest in conservation efforts.

Can’t get enough of Tinker Bell and Marina? Track their migration progress along with the researchers at www.tourdeturtles.org and read more on the Disney Parks Blog.