“Little Chill”

Juvenile Green Sea Turtle

 
In January 2010, an endangered green sea turtle was rescued in the Mosquito Lagoon along with hundreds of others.  On January 19, the turtle was transported to Disney's Animal Kingdom for further care. It had received an eye injury during the massive cold-stunning event. After receiving veterinary treatment,  “Little Chill” was released in Eddy Creek along the southern reach of the Mosquito Lagoon on February 24, 2010 and we will be monitoring it's movements. Since very little scientific information exists on the life history of green sea turtles, a small satellite transmitter was placed on it's shell, in collaboration with Dr. Alan Bolten of the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research at the University of Florida. A sonic tag was also placed on it's shell, in collaboration with Jane Provancha of NASA. There are a series of sonic tag readers from Cape Canaveral to Ft. Pierce.  This will give us a closer look at what this little guy is doing if (s)he stays within the coastal inlets.
Little Chill's Movements - February 2010

Little Chill’s Diary

February 24, 2010
After about a month of rehab at Little Chill is released in the Mosquito Lagoon near Titusville. The first transmissions from his transmitter indicate that he is near the release site.

February 25, 2010
Little Chill is slowly exploring the lagoon.  He has moved a kilometer, or just over half a mile, back into the embayment of Eddy Creek. He is sheltered from the Northwest winds associated with the recent cold front.

February 26-28, 2010
Little Chill continues to explore the lagoon, moving a little bit further from the release site each day.

 
Little Chill's Movements - March 2010

March 1, 2010
Little Chill is braving the deeper waters of the lagoon, having moved a mile from yesterday's location.

March 2, 2010
Little Chill swam a couple of miles to the north.

March 3, 2010
Little Chill has entered the deeper (and warmer) waters of the lagoon.

March 4-7, 2010
Little Chill swam a few miles north then turned back and is near the western bank of the lagoon.

March 8-9, 2010
Little Chill again swam a few miles north then turned back and is near the western bank of the lagoon.

March 14, 2010
Little Chill is venturing further. He moved 4.5 miles north.

March 18, 2010
Little Chill has been skirting the edge of the lagoon.

March 21, 2010
Little Chill appears to be moving north again.

March 22, 2010
Little Chill's satellite tag stopped transmitting location information on March 22nd.  He has provided valuable information to help us understand where juvenile green sea turtles spend their time.  Happy swimming Little Chill and thank you for letting us tag along on your travels!