A fine wall art photograph of a baby loggerhead sea turtle making it's way to the ocean.
Title: "Hopeful Future"
All fine wall art prints are printed using archival luster paper and inks. All 11 x 14 and 16 x 20 inch matted prints are shipped mounted to a white acid-free mat and backing board. The 11 x 14 inch matted print contains a 7.25 x 11 inch photograph. The 16 x 20 inch matted prints contains an 11 x 16.5 inch photograph.
All metal wall art prints are printed using a dye sublimation process that bonds the inks into the high-quality glossy aluminum sheet. An aluminum mount is attached to the back of the print so it floats an inch off the wall. No framing is necessary and all mounting hardware is included with your print. Aluminum prints are moisture resistant and have a higher archival lifespan than paper (100+ years). These metal prints can even be installed outdoors as long as they are kept away from 'constant' direct sunlight.
Note: Your print will NOT have the watermark shown on this online image.
Details about the photograph:
As a volunteer with a sea turtle conservation organization in Palm Beach, I was making my way to the beach one morning. As I was slowly driving along a two lane road that parallels the beach, this tiny three-inch loggerhead sea turtle crossed my path.
This determined little sea turtle had crossed many obstacles to get to this point. Hatching some time in the middle of the night, it was likely disoriented by artificial lights and traveled west across a stretch of beach about 100 feet long (if not more). It came across a dune, thick with vegetation, that ran for another 50 feet. Past this was another stretch of beach. A side walk with few places for a tiny sea turtle to clamber up to was next on its path, but still this determined little sea turtle continued.
Its next obstacle would be a two-lane road and a median with only a few spots where a little turtle could climb back up onto the sidewalk. He found his way up and luckily found the one opening in the middle of a strip mall, alongside a convenience store. Continuing onto the other side, he crossed another sidewalk and onto the two-lane road where our paths would serendipitously cross.
I quickly stopped my vehicle and picked up this determined little sea turtle. Looking it over, it looked unharmed and still full of life, so I returned him to the beach as the sun was just beginning to rise. I set him down on the sand and pointed him in the direction of the ocean. As though he was in no hurry to make his way to the ocean, he stopped and looked up towards the sun for a few seconds (perhaps telling himself that he should have made a left turn at the start of his adventure). He slowly made his way into the water, and I watched him submerge himself, gliding beneath the ocean surface while a tiny school of silver minnows and a tiny ray joined his voyage.
The name "Hopeful Future" came about not only because I am hopeful I will see this little turtle, and the many others I have been fortunate to save, one day again in the future. But, just as importantly, because of the hope these little sea turtles show me in their relentless determination to push forward with all their might across unfathomable obstacles.
It’s also a reminder that, like all boys in the animal kingdom, we will never stop to ask for directions!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This photograph was taken under permit. ALL species of sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, it is illegal to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, capture, or collect sea turtle eggs, hatchlings, adults or any body parts. Violators can be prosecuted under Civil and Criminal laws and be assessed heavy penalties (up to $25,000 fine and up to one year in jail).
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