“Coral Sea” opens in the Giant Screen Theater on May 17; the “Turtles” summer exhibit opens June 7.
In the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, the ebbs and flows of life are connected to the saltwater in “Coral Sea,” a new giant-screen film premiering May 17 at Fernbank Museum.
This immersive, cinematic experience highlights life in the vibrant Coral Sea, which is home to the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and to the people of Oceania who spend their lives connected to the water.
Legend has it that the islands of the Coral Sea were built on the back of a giant sea turtle. Turtles — especially the giant green sea turtle — have remained important cultural symbols in the region, yet today their future is uncertain.
Through the eyes of turtle-hunter-turned-conservationist, Steven Amos, the film shows audiences the feats of these amazing creatures, despite facing tumultuous conditions that impact their way of life.
“In this film, there’s adventure and mystery and heart,” said director Matt Tomaszewski. “Steven is an example of someone who appears ordinary, but he single-handedly is saving thousands and thousands of turtles. That’s a really inspiring message to all of us — that one person can make a difference.”
The need for turtle conservation
While green sea turtles have similar life spans to humans, living on average 70 to 90 years, only one in a thousand baby turtles survive in the wild to become an adult.
Faced with global forces like climate change, pollution, warming and rising oceans flooding sea turtle nesting sites and more, these magnificent creatures need all the assistance that humanity can give them.
With the help of Amos and his fellow conservationists, weak or sick hatchlings have a chance of survival. Amos and his team raise the turtles until they are strong enough to survive in the wild on their own. In just three years, they have saved 9,000 hatchlings.
The mystery of turtles
Much about turtles remains a mystery — where they travel in the ocean, their survival tactics and how they are able to return to the exact location of their birth to reproduce as adults. But, through incredible footage of both marine and human life in the tropical waters around Australia and Papua New Guinea, “Coral Sea” offers a glimpse into their world.
Audiences will be treated to stunning scenes of turtles, jellyfish, sharks and coral reefs and leave with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of these creatures and the help they receive to survive in the wild.
“Turtles” summer exhibit
Turtle conservation will also be highlight in Fernbank’s summer exhibit, “Turtles,” opening June 7. This exhibition focuses on the lives and behaviors of these beloved reptiles.
Through live turtle habitats, hands-on activities and daily presentations, the exhibit will showcase the incredible diversity, adaptations and conservation stories of these ancient reptiles — exploring how turtles have evolved over time, the struggle they face for survival and how visitors can take action to help protect them.
From the tiny, elusive box turtle to climbable sculptures of the massive leatherback sea turtle, Galapagos tortoises and more, guests will get a unique look into the lives of these reptiles, learning more about the diversity of species, their prehistoric origins and their modern challenges.
“From turtles that have soft, flexible shells to ones that look like leaf litter, this experience reveals just how bizarre, diverse and fascinating these creatures really are,” said Paul Goulet, CEO of Little Ray’s Exhibitions. “We believe ‘Turtles’ will change everything you thought you knew about these incredible reptiles.”
Turtle conservation close to home
In addition to a broad look at turtles from around the world, the exhibit will also cover the rehabilitation efforts Georgia citizens have undertaken to protect local turtle species, such as the diamondback terrapin and the gopher tortoise.
“Georgia has its own special stories when it comes to turtles,” said Director of Education, Sarah Arnold. “The Georgia coast is a nesting ground for several species of sea turtles, and the barrier islands that line the coast provide ample marsh habitat for diamondback terrapins. With its sandy soils, South Georgia is also home to the gopher tortoise — an incredibly important keystone species.”
“All of these species have faced survival challenges,” Arnold continued, “and the citizens of Georgia have worked to rehabilitate their populations.”
Summer of turtles at Fernbank
“This summer, Fernbank will be highlighting all things turtle with the pairing of “Coral Sea” and our special exhibition, “Turtles,” said Bobbi Hohmann, vice president of programming and collections.
“Georgia is home to a variety of turtles, tortoises and terrapins, and many in our community are actively engaged in conservation efforts to protect them and the habitats they call home. From freshwater to saltwater, we’re excited to be able to share these stories from around the globe with our guests.”
The details
“Coral Sea” opens in the IMAX/Giant Screen Theater on May 17.
The film is produced by Definition Studios and distributed by K2 Studios to giant screen theaters located in science centers, museums and other cultural destinations and attractions worldwide. It is sponsored locally by the Isdell Family Foundation and Georgia Natural Gas.
“Turtles” will be on view from June 7 through September 1.
It is produced by Little Ray’s Exhibitions, with live turtles provided by FARE (Foundation for Animal Rescue and Education). The exhibit is sponsored locally by the Isdell Family Foundation.
Tickets
General admission tickets include three floors of exhibits in the natural history museum, your choice of one giant screen film and 75-acres of nature exploration in Fernbank Forest and WildWoods.
Fernbank After Dark and other special after-hours events are available at a separate ticket price and may include access to special exhibits.
Ticket prices vary by date and program, starting at $23.95 for children and $25.95 for adults. Tickets purchased online are discounted. Members receive free general admission.
For more information, visit fernbankmuseum.org.
