The Cayman Turtle Centre wrapped up Earth Month with two events – its annual Turtle Crawl 5k Walk and Run and the release of two green sea turtles into the wild.
The Turtle Crawl, now in its sixth year, saw its biggest turnout yet on April 26, with around 500 people – from families to seasoned runners – taking part in the race.
In an exciting finish, Gustavo Silva and Mike McDonald shared first place in the male category, while Bee Groenewald secured the top spot among female runners.
Funds raised from the race will go directly toward improving animal care at the turtle centre.
Turtle centre veterinarian Dr Navi Baboolal said in a press release: “Most notably, we are directing proceeds toward the purchase of a portable radiograph machine, which will significantly enhance our diagnostic capabilities and allow us to provide even better medical treatment for sea turtles and other animals in our care.”
This year also marked the first time the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability served as presenting sponsor – which the centre said underscored the strong connection between environmental protection, public health, and national wellbeing.
The event’s other sponsors were: Advance Fire, Bluewater Medical, Coca Cola, Composed Media, Corporate Electric, Crown Events, Double M. Distribution, Gatorade, Health City, High Impact, Howard Industries, Oasis Medical Group, Radio Cayman, Stingray Media; Taino Chips, Trends and Yani’s Photography.
Meanwhile, on April 30, the Cayman Turtle Centre released two green sea turtles, Marvin and Buddy, into the wild.
The turtles, who experienced the ocean for the first time, had been raised through the centre’s head-start release programme
Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks, the chief marketing and merchandising officer at Cayman Turtle Centre, said: “Releasing Marvin and Buddy at the close of Earth Month was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
“They represent hope, resilience, and the impact that education, care, and community support can have.
“Every turtle we release is a shared victory for conservation and for the future of our oceans.”
The release was sponsored by Cayman Airways and This is Cayman (Vagabond).
