The Tybee Island Marine Science Center’s Marine Debris Ambassador, Admiral, a loggerhead sea turtle, will turn one on Wednesday, July 24, and the public is invited to the party from 11:30 a.m.-noon.

“We're planning quite the party. Admiral's tank will have extra enrichment and we’ll be including feedings throughout the day with additional treats like crabs, shrimpsicles, and even a frozen birthday ‘cake’ for her to enjoy,” said curator Chantal Audran. “Our Sea Camp kids will sing Happy Birthday and there will be a card for visitors to sign and, of course, a real birthday cake to enjoy.”

In addition, there will be a special check presentation from Luke Johnson, an 11 year-old student at Oklahoma Christian Academy whose family vacations annually on Tybee; Luke raised $425 for the Sea Turtle Project via a school project.

Last year, the center had more than 57,000 visitors.

 “Admiral plays her role very well, she enchants everyone who meets her," said center director Maria Procopio, “We’ll release her back to the ocean on her second birthday, so she’ll be moving with us to the new center on the North Beach next spring."

 The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is at 1509 Strand Avenue (next to the pier).