In September, the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™ transported a rare, never-before-seen species of hatchling back to the coast. Now on display at the Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, this gigantic, 5-foot-tall hatchling can be admired by guests entering the Wild Dunes Boardwalk Inn lobby. The hatchling was part of the Aquarium’s LEGO® BricksALIVE exhibit and made of over 20,000 LEGO pieces by the Aquarium’s Exhibitory Director, Kevin Kampwerth, and took more than 80 hours to build. With many of the pieces contributed by Aquarium visitors, the hatchling sculpture is a testament to the Aquarium’s 20-year commitment to sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release.
“Several of our sea turtle releases happen on the Isle of Palms beach, so we are thrilled that one of our most popular BricksALIVE sculptures was able to find a home at Wild Dunes Resort for Charleston visitors to continue to appreciate,” said Kampwerth.
The hatchling’s display in the lobby represents the close partnership between Wild Dunes Resort and the Aquarium. With monthly litter sweeps conducted on the resort’s beach and turtle-themed drinks supporting the Sea Turtle Care Center available at the bar, Wild Dunes is an invaluable supporter of the Aquarium.
As the new home of the hatchling, we needed a Wild Dunes-appropriate name and asked the Wild Dunes Resort social media followers to submit their best suggestions. After receiving hundreds of creative submissions, a vote between the four finalists yielded the official hatchling name: Duney. Drop by to meet Duney on your next trip to the resort, and be sure to snap a picture with him and tag us @wilddunesresort on Facebook and Instagram!
About the SC Aquarium: The South Carolina Aquarium is Charleston’s No. 1 family attraction and features thousands of aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents sweeping views of the Charleston harbor along with interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages. Learn more at scaquarium.org.
