Stranded sea turtles are often found along Atlantic coast beaches. Before the Georgia Sea Turtle Center opened its doors, there were no facilities in Georgia to treat the turtles, and they had to be transported long distances to centers in Florida and South Carolina. Unfortunately, these facilities are often filled to capacity, and the turtles cannot be treated adequately and may be prematurely released. In February 2006, renovations began on the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a marine turtle rehabilitation, research, and education facility on Jekyll Island. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center opened in June 2007 and provides state-of-the-art emergency care to sick and injured sea turtles, with opportunities for scientific research and long-term treatment. 

Jekyll Island is an ideal site for the new rehabilitation center. With an active sea turtle monitoring program since 1972, Jekyll is unique among Georgia’s developed islands for its significant annual turtle nesting.

Visitors to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will explore exhibits on sea turtle conservation, rehabilitation, and their amazing journey from egg to adulthood. School field trips, public programs, and special events will highlight Georgia’s unique coastal ecosystem and the mysterious world of these ancient reptiles.