“Shell-a-brate” the Terrific Turtles of Narragansett Bay this month at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium

“All of the turtles that inhabit the Exploration Center were rescued and would not have survived in the wild without the care of our aquarium staff,” said Adam Kovarsky, aquarist and education spet at Save The Bay. The aquarium’s two resident terrapin turtles, Phil and Jerry, are on the state’s endangered species list. A scavenger hunt will send participants searching for Bowser the snapping turtle’s food, and guests can craft their own turtle and hear the story “Tudley Didn’t Know” by John Himmelman.

Bowser, a common snapping turtle, was rescued when he washed up at Easton’s Beach, just about the size of a quarter. Save The Bay’s staff took him in, and he is now completely healthy and doing well in a new large tank donated by the New England Aquarium to give Bowser a habitat that fits his growing size. “Bowser is a real mutant turtle; his front left hand has two extra fingers, making for a total of seven. This is caused by a genetic mutation called polydactylism, which has the same effect in cats and humans” said Kovarsky.     Guests can help feed Bowser and the other inhabitants of the Exploration Center at Feeding Frenzy from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. This interactive feeding time experience gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at the creatures of the Exploration Center when they’re most active. Space for this event is limited and reservations must be made at https://savebay.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd060e3870cfe820bda71bad3&id=df2c010482&e=700f6c9992.

The Exploration Center and Aquarium is located in the Easton’s Beach Rotunda at 175 Memorial Blvd. in Newport, Rhode Island. General admission is $8, and $7 for military and senior citizens. Save The Bay Family Members can enjoy FREE admission for two adults and up to four children. For more information about the Exploration Center and Aquarium, visit www.savebay.org/aquarium or call 401-324-6020.

     Founded in 1970, Save The Bay works to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its watershed through advocacy, education, and restoration efforts. It envisions a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to everyone and globally recognized as an environmental treasure.