South Carolina Aquarium Transfers Rare Sea Turtle Hatchling to Wild Dunes Resort

CHARLESTON, S.C. – September 2, 2020 – The South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™ recently transported a rare, never-before-seen species of hatchling back to the coast. Now on display at Wild Dunes Resort, this gigantic, 5-foot-tall hatchling can be admired by guests entering the Wild Dunes Boardwalk Inn lobby. The hatchling was part of the Aquarium’s LEGO® BricksALIVE exhibit, which was removed in February to make way for their newest experience, “Monsters: From Micro to Mega.” Made of over 20,000 LEGO pieces, it was lovingly built by the Aquarium’s Exhibitory Director, Kevin Kampwerth, and took more than 80 hours to build. With many of the pieces contributed by Aquarium visitors, the hatchling sculpture is a testament to the Aquarium’s 20-year commitment to sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release.

“Several of our sea turtle releases happen on the Isle of Palms beach, so we are thrilled that one of our most popular BricksALIVE sculptures was able to find a home at Wild Dunes Resort for Charleston visitors to continue to appreciate,” said Kampwerth.

The hatchling’s display in the lobby represents the close partnership between Wild Dunes Resort and the Aquarium. With monthly litter sweeps conducted on the resort’s beach and turtle-themed drinks supporting the Sea Turtle Care Center available at the bar, Wild Dunes is an invaluable supporter of the Aquarium.

“We greatly value our continued partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium and were honored to be chosen as the official home for its LEGO® BricksALIVE hatchling,” says Frank Fredericks, managing director at Wild Dunes Resort. “Wild Dunes Resort has worked diligently to bring heightened awareness to sea turtle safety, from our beach sweeps and beach signage to our branded drinks, and we are thrilled to continue our efforts by displaying this fun and creative exhibit in our lobby.”

About South Carolina Aquarium: The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s No. 1 family attraction, features thousands of aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents sweeping views of the Charleston harbor along with interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.

The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half-day December 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and December 25. Tickets are currently dated and timed and must be purchased in advance. Admission prices are: Toddlers (2 and under) free; Youth (3-12) $22.95; Adults (13+) $29.95. For more information, call (843) 577-FISH (3474), or visit scaquarium.org.

About Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel:

Nestled on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, Wild Dunes Resort, is located 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic downtown Charleston. The Resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a variety of accommodations ranging from the AAA Four-Diamond Rated Boardwalk Inn and the Village at Wild Dunes to private condos and luxury home vacation rentals. Offering a year-round menu of championship golf, nationally-ranked tennis, award-winning recreation, spa services, and restaurant options, Wild Dunes Resort has been distinguished by many publications and associations as a top destination for families, golfers, tennis lovers, and meeting and event planners. Visit Wild Dunes Resort online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.