The Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC) at the Carpenter House in Hollywood offers plenty of worthwhile reasons to visit, from conservation exhibits to animal residents, and that includes two adorable resident sea turtles — Captain and Cane!
Run in partnership with Nova Southeastern University and Broward County Parks, the facility is dedicated to promoting the conservation of South Florida’s coastal habitats and marine life through community engagement, education and animal care, according to its website. Two of those animals, deemed non-releasable due to injuries sustained in the wild, can be visited by the public as they swim around and enjoy their afternoon meals.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays, people are welcome to see the green sea turtle (Captain) and loggerhead sea turtle (Cane) in their saltwater pool habitat. But at 3:30 p.m., they can gather around to see the turtles up close as they dine on leafy greens and squid during feedings!
About the turtles
One of the turtles calling the MEEC home is Captain, who was found stranded as a juvenile with a boat strike wound to her shell, stomach injuries and partially paralyzed rear flippers. She was transported from Mayport Naval Basin to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) on Jekyll Island before joining the MEEC in 2017. To assist with her buoyancy issues, you can often see her sporting a weighted “backpack” to help her swim properly!
Cane, a newer resident who joined in 2024, was found stranded in Martin County, Florida. She lost more than half of both of her front flippers due to suspected shark predation and has scarring around her right eye. During your visit, you’ll likely see her “hiding” in her specially made seagrass installation enrichment.
While you’re visiting, there’s plenty more to explore when it comes to courtyard exhibits on turtles and the many different species, life cycles and how to protect them in the wild, in addition to other resident reptiles, public programs for all ages and more.
Visiting information
The best part is entry to the MEEC is free to the general public, though a $3 suggested donation is accepted to support their conservation efforts. It is located at 4414 N Surf Rd, Hollywood, FL 33019. You can learn more on their website.