More than 2 million sea turtle hatchlings have emerged from nests along Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Disney Conservation estimates. The milestone follows more than 20 years of conservation work.
The 2026 nesting season also brought almost 1,500 loggerhead nests, a record-breaking year for loggerhead nesting.
Tracking turtles on shore and at sea
Cast members monitor loggerhead and green sea turtles at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The work began in 2003. They document nesting activity and collect scientific data to help researchers understand how sea turtles use the shoreline.
High-accuracy GPS units help cast members record turtle crawls and nest locations. Those details reveal nesting patterns and help inform future beach management.
Long-term observations let scientists compare nesting seasons, recognize changes and identify questions for future research.
Emily, a conservation programs manager, credits the milestone to cast members’ ongoing fieldwork and shared learning. “It’s a celebration of the people who make this work possible, season after season,” Emily said.
Kristen, a Conservation and Science Technician, collects information that helps the team better understand and protect sea turtles. Both cast members are preparing for the following nesting season.
The research also extends beyond nesting beaches through Disney’s longtime work with the Sea Turtle Conservancy. During Tour de Turtles, scientists follow satellite-tracked sea turtles sponsored by Disney Cruise Line and Disney Conservation Fund.
Tracking those journeys helps researchers understand the turtles’ movements and the habitats they use, connecting shoreline observations with life at sea.
How beach visitors can help
Disney recommends these actions to protect nesting turtles and hatchlings:
- Keep beaches clean and take everything with you when leaving.
- Turn off or shield lights visible from the beach at night.
- Give nesting turtles plenty of space.
- Never disturb marked nests.
- Fill holes and knock down sandcastles before leaving the beach.
Source: Disney
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