Help Name Maui Ocean Center’s Baby Sea Turtles

Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaiʻi is asking for the public’s help in naming the newest members of its Hawaiian green sea turtle ʻohana.

The six, 4-month-old sea turtles have settled in at Maui Ocean Center and are ready for their official Hawaiian names.

The sea turtle naming contest is now live on Maui Ocean Center’s Facebook page with photos and personality descriptions for each hatchling.

Participants are asked to nominate one name per turtle by Dec. 31, 2016. All names must be in Hawaiian along with an English translation or description.

The Aquarium’s Hawaiian Cultural Advisor will review all name suggestions and put it to vote on Facebook during the first week of January 2017.

Each winner will receive an exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour and a photo opportunity with the turtle they named.

Sea turtle descriptions:
Turtle #2 weighs 8.35 oz and is described as laid-back and indifferent.
Turtle #3 weights 5.9 oz and is described as the smallest hatchling but adventurous.
Turtle #5 weighs 7.3 oz and is described as a defender and a hunter.
Turtle #7 weighs 7.05 oz and is described as endearing and a cruiser.
Turtle #9 weighs 6.4 oz and is described as assertive and head-strong.
Turtle #11 weighs 7.45 oz and is described as persistent and eager.

The sea turtle hatchlings will be hosted by Maui Ocean Center for the next two years where they will serve as ambassadors of their species through Sea Life Park’s Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle Educational Loan Program.

The presence of Hawaiian green sea turtles aims to raise awareness and teach guests about Hawaiʻi’s sea turtles, the challenges they face, and what guests can do to help protect Hawaiʻi’s honu. After two years at the Aquarium, the juvenile Hawaiian green sea turtles will be released to continue life in the open ocean.

For more information about the turtle naming contest, visit Facebook.com/MauiOceanCenter or submit names via email to [email protected].

PC: Evan Pascual/Maui Ocean Center

PC: Evan Pascual/Maui Ocean Center

PC: Evan Pascual/Maui Ocean Center

PC: Evan Pascual/Maui Ocean Center