South Carolina’s coastline sets the stage for one of nature’s most enduring journeys—the nesting of the loggerhead sea turtle. From fragile barrier islands to bustling beaches, these ancient mariners face threats from predators, development, plastics, and fishing gear, yet their story is also one of resilience. For more than four decades, SCDNR biologists, volunteers, and the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center have worked together to monitor nests, rescue the injured, and give hatchlings a fighting chance. Thanks to these efforts, millions have safely reached the ocean, ensuring that wild stories continue to be written in the sand.
All sea turtle activity is authorized under SCDNR Marine Turtle Permit #Yawkey: MTP531 South Carolina Aquarium: MTP2025-0004.
What’s Wild! is a digital series showcasing South Carolina’s rarest wildlife and the amazing people who protect them.
