Sea Turtle ‘Neptune’ Released on Jekyll Island

Neptune the sea turtle released to natural habitat from Georgia 4-H Tidelands Nature Center

Neptune, a loggerhead sea turtle and beloved resident of Georgia 4-H Tidelands Nature Center, made a triumphant return to the sea Sep. 24 on Jekyll Island. A specialized tracking device affixed to Neptune’s shell allows scientists, educators, and fans to follow the turtle’s journey in the Atlantic Ocean.

After being trapped in Nest #170 with seven other hatchlings, Neptune was rescued in August 2022 by conservation biologists from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) and Jekyll Island Authority. The rehabilitation staff at GSTC cared for Neptune until February 2023, when the turtle became an animal ambassador at Tidelands Nature Center and Georgia 4-H at Camp Jekyll.

Neptune’s mother, Adelina, was tagged for the first time on Jekyll Island in 1994. She regularly returns to the island, with almost all her documented nesting activity taking place there in the last 32 years. In 2026, Adelina laid five nests on Jekyll Island. Sea turtles are known to live between 50 and 100 years in their natural habitats.

Visitors at the 4-H centers learn about the habitat, diet, life cycle and characteristics of sea turtles and other reptiles because of Neptune and other species of animal ambassadors. Georgia 4-H Environmental Education staff provide thoughtful care to sea turtles as they mature to an appropriate size for release. Neptune has been an important part of education programs for thousands of Georgia youth.

“Ambassador sea turtles like Neptune inspire children and adults alike to develop a personal connection with the natural world, drawing them closer to the cause of conservation,” said Clara Coughlin-Smith, program specialist at Tidelands Nature Center. “Neptune’s charismatic energy touched thousands of in-person visitors, and the interactive tracking map allows that reach to continue growing.”

Neptune weighed just 19.6 grams upon arrival at GSTC as a hatchling, growing to 32 pounds and 20.5 inches prior to being released. Hundreds of well-wishers gathered on Jekyll Island’s Glory Beach to wave farewell as the turtle made its way to the ocean.

The blue tracking device will report Neptune’s location for approximately 18 months. Signals are sent from the whip antenna to satellites when the turtle surfaces to breathe long enough for both copper posts on the tracker to clear the water. The longevity and effectiveness of the tracker can be impacted by turtle behavior and environmental factors.

The collected data will be used to study and teach the habits of sea turtles. Neptune’s progress can be tracked at ga4h.org.

Georgia 4-H Tidelands Nature Center is located on the southwest side of Jekyll Island and offers coastal ecology programs for the public and for school groups. Kayak tours, canoe rentals, and a live coastal species exhibit gallery are also available.

The Georgia 4-H Environmental Education program is available from September through May at six Georgia 4-H facilities every year, providing opportunities for high-quality day and overnight educational experiences. The research-based curriculum correlates to the Georgia Standards of Excellence, providing hands-on learning in the context of the real world.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H and the Georgia 4-H Environmental Education program, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org/ee.

Written by Josie Brummeler