From Antarctic penguins to sea turtles hatchlings on Florida’s beaches, wild animals around the world are benefiting from $1.2 million in grants from the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.
The grants will support researchers studying migration movements of Antarctic penguin species, provide safer passage for turtle hatchlings making their way from the nest to the water, and help monitor the long-term health of dolphins in one of Florida’s vital eco-systems.
Since its inception 10 years ago, the Ffnd has given more than $10 million in grants to protect wildlife and wild places.
Some of the organizations the funds will help include:
- Tracking Penguin Migrations
Where do penguins go for the winter? Researchers with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are using geolocation (GLS) tagging and stable isotope studies to identify the winter diets and migration movements of Adelie and chinstrap penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula. The data will be of critical importance in defining future management priorities for these species.
- Sea Turtle Lighting Project
Lights on turtle nesting beaches can disorient turtle hatchlings and lead them away from the ocean. To help make a safer passage, Sea to Shore Alliance has created a method of measuring, mapping, and recording beach lighting levels. This data enables wildlife managers to quickly and easily compare, observe and locate areas with excessive beach lighting. By identifying these illumination “hotspots” managers can better protect sea turtle hatchlings. - Long-term Monitoring of Dolphins
The Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute is conducting a long-term study to monitor the abundance, population and habitat structure of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that inhabit Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. The data being collected will help to make animal management decisions and better