Summary
World Science Festival Brisbane’s annual turtle hatching is an important conservation initiative that allows intimate access to Australia’s precious Loggerhead turtles. Visitors to the festival can get a rare glimpse of hatching turtles in their incubation chambers and the first moments of their ocean lives as they meet a seawater environment in specially designed tanks.
In 2021 The Hatchery will be joined by The University of Queensland’s Microplastics and Environmental Health research group who will deliver daily activities and displays showcasing microplastics and the effect of plastic pollutions to these special and endearing marine animals.
This initiative is designed in collaboration with internationally renowned herpetologist Colin Limpus and Queensland Museum Senior Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, Biodiversity Program and Chair of the Animal Ethics Committee Patrick Couper.
After the festival, the newborn turtles will be transported to the Sunshine Coast and released 20 km off shore.
FEATURING
Patrick Couper
Patrick Couper
Patrick Couper joined the Herpetology Section of the Queensland Museum in 1986 as a research assistant. He is now Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians with an active research interest in...
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Microplastics research team at UQ
Microplastics research team at UQ
The microplastics research team at the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), University of Queensland, aims to better understand how plastics are released into the Australian natural and built...
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To discuss your access requirements and to book any access services for performances, please call QTIX 136246.
Individual Session for visitors who prefer a quieter, sensory-friendly experience. Limited spaces available and bookings are essential. Patrons must book in advance please contact us.
Livestream Information
The Hatchery is a Festival favourite each year. Unfortunately there is a limited number of tickets each year – and this year is no exception.
We are adhering to social distancing and visitor numbers have been reduced, so tickets are very limited.
BUT we are live streaming the turtles 24 hours a day over the festival, so you will be able to check in on them from the comfort of your own home. Livre streamed with support from AARNET.
Extra Resources
Check out the finalists and winner of the 2020 Hatchery Crusaders competition!
This week’s animal is at home on land just as much as at sea. Tune in with our friend Chantal to find out what it is and discover a fun activity for you to try at home.
Colour in this little guy before you come and see the real baby Loggerhead Turtles – did you get the colours right? Does your turtle look like the real thing?
Cost
Free, ticketed