Our Mission:
"To promote conservation of Florida’s coastal ecosystems with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles".
Our Vision:
"To be recognized locally and internationally as the leading authority in sea turtle education, research, and rehabilitation".
Loggerhead Marinelife Center's History
Over 25 years ago, long-time Juno Beach resident Eleanor Fletcher started what is now the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Eleanor and her husband Robert had a real estate business in Juno Beach. Eleanor began to notice the abundance of sea turtles nesting on our shore in spring and summer. She was curious about why so many hatchlings headed landward after hatching, rather than back to sea, and as a result, began some of the earliest research on sea turtles in our area. Juno Beach is now recognized as one of the most active nesting beaches in the world! Eleanor became known as “The Turtle Lady” throughout the area.
As Eleanor Fletcher learned more and more about the sea turtles, she began to see that the turtles were threatened by the encroachment of man as he moved and built closer and closer to the shoreline. She decided that educating children about the sea turtles and the need for conservation and protection was the best hope for the sea turtles to survive over the long term. She began giving classes, first in her home, then above the real estate office as more and more children enjoyed her programs.
As Eleanor Fletcher learned more and more about the sea turtles, she began to see that the turtles were threatened by the encroachment of man as he moved and built closer and closer to the shoreline. She decided that educating children about the sea turtles and the need for conservation and protection was the best hope for the sea turtles to survive over the long term. She began giving classes, first in her home, then above the real estate office as more and more children enjoyed her programs.
In 1983 the Children’s Museum of Juno Beach was incorporated, moving into what had been an old home in Loggerhead Park, thanks to the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Reflecting an expanded mission, the name was changed to The Marinelife Center of Juno Beach in 1990.
The Center now hosts over 16,000 school children each year through field trips, outreach programs, summer camp and other educational experiences. In addition, another 200,000 visitors come to the Center each year to see the exhibits and the sea turtle hospital – the only sea turtle hospital between Orlando and the Florida Keys!
In April 2007, the organization relocated to a new 12,000 square foot "green" facility and changed its name to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. The new facility includes a state-of-the-art full service veterinary hospital, exhibit hall, outdoor classroom, research lab, and resource center. A visit is not complete without a stop in the marine-oriented gift and book shop, featuring an excellent selection of children's educational books and unique gift and craft items. Park amenities include a guarded beach, nature trail, playground and picnic pavilions.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit education and ocean conservation facility located on the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Beach County, Florida. The facility houses a variety of exhibits, live sea turtles and other coastal creatures. Exhibits include a massive prehistoric Archelon sea turtle replica, salt water aquaria and displays of local wildlife, as well as educational displays about South Florida's marine environment.
The Center now hosts over 16,000 school children each year through field trips, outreach programs, summer camp and other educational experiences. In addition, another 200,000 visitors come to the Center each year to see the exhibits and the sea turtle hospital – the only sea turtle hospital between Orlando and the Florida Keys!
In April 2007, the organization relocated to a new 12,000 square foot "green" facility and changed its name to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. The new facility includes a state-of-the-art full service veterinary hospital, exhibit hall, outdoor classroom, research lab, and resource center. A visit is not complete without a stop in the marine-oriented gift and book shop, featuring an excellent selection of children's educational books and unique gift and craft items. Park amenities include a guarded beach, nature trail, playground and picnic pavilions.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit education and ocean conservation facility located on the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Beach County, Florida. The facility houses a variety of exhibits, live sea turtles and other coastal creatures. Exhibits include a massive prehistoric Archelon sea turtle replica, salt water aquaria and displays of local wildlife, as well as educational displays about South Florida's marine environment.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center's Current Patients: (Will be updated as turtles are released and found)
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SPLASHJuvenile Green |
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PRINCESS |
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KAHUNA |
TYRION
Sub Adult Loggerhead
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RODEOSub Adult Loggerhead |
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TWISTER
Sub Adult Loggerhead
Sub Adult Loggerhead
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ZIKO |
MELBA
Sub Adult Loggerhead
Katie's relationship with Loggerhead Marinelife Center:
Katie met biologist Kelly Martin in 2007 and her love of sea turtles was born. She met up with Kelly every year to get hands on turtle experience. In 2009, Kelly moved to work with Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Naturally, Katie took a trip to the other side of Florida where Kelly now was to work with her there. Katie fell in love with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, and has been going yearly to the center ever since.
Visit Loggerhead Marinelife Center online at: