On April 19, 2025, Marine Science Students participated in a turtle watching program run by the St. Croix Sea Turtle Project. Kennedy James, Anna Simon, Asia Williams, Saidah Banwaree, and Israel Wyche (along with chaperones Vanessa Velez-Wyche and Sezelle Gabrielle) listened to a presentation by two volunteers from the program. They migrated to the beach to observe the wonders of Sandy Point at night: enjoy the stars and listen to a talk on leatherback biology and how Sandy Point’s research program has contributed to the conservation of the species. Over the years, countless students and young people of St. Croix have watched a nesting leatherback sea turtle. Although a turtle sighting is not guaranteed, our panthers were fortunate enough to view a returning turtle (last seen in 2021) nest on the beach. They observed all the data collected by volunteers and were able to ask questions. They even met the scientist who originally tagged the Leatherback named “Ana” in 2016. The students agreed it was a real treat! They braved the rain and wind to observe the massive turtle. “That was the most impressive animal I have ever seen in real life”, said Israel Wyche. We hope to continue to be a part of the program next year.
