Families looking for fun things to do this May half term can dive into a turtle-themed celebration at National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, where beloved resident sea turtle Mo is celebrating an incredible 50th birthday on World Turtle Day, 23 May.
The much-loved “King of the Ocean Tunnel” will be at the centre of a week-long underwater party, with interactive games, birthday celebrations and educational activities designed for the whole family.
Meet Mo: Birmingham’s Favourite Sea Turtle
Mo has become one of the attraction’s most recognisable residents, charming visitors for years with his calm personality and habit of snoozing beneath the Ocean Tunnel. Guests visiting during the celebrations will be able to sign a special birthday card for the sea turtle and join in with a packed programme of turtle-themed fun.
Activities include:
- Turtle-themed games in Mo’s party room
- A birthday disco for families
- Special birthday hats for young visitors
- Interactive educational trails and talks
- Surprise activities throughout the attraction
Young turtle fans born on World Turtle Day, 23 May, can also enjoy free entry to the attraction when accompanied by a paying adult.
A Turtle-Sized Birthday Feast
To mark the special occasion, the attraction’s Animal Care Specialists have created a bespoke enrichment “cake” for Mo, packed with his favourite foods including kale, broccoli, carrots and cabbage.
Rather than a traditional cake, the food-based creation is designed to encourage Mo’s natural foraging instincts and keep him mentally stimulated.
Leah Todd, Animal Care Specialist at National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, said:
“Mo is a big character, calm, confident, and very much aware that he’s the star of the Ocean Tunnel. He’s a firm favourite amongst guests, with many coming back year on year to see him.”
She added that Mo has already been “getting into the birthday spirit” ahead of the celebrations.
Mo’s Incredible Rescue Story
Beyond the birthday celebrations, Mo’s journey also highlights the importance of animal rescue and conservation.
The sea turtle was originally discovered being smuggled into the UK in a handbag at Heathrow Airport before eventually finding a permanent home at SEA LIFE in 2006. His story now serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats facing sea turtles and marine ecosystems around the world.
Daily care for Mo includes health monitoring, habitat management and enrichment activities carried out by the centre’s specialist animal care team.
Turtle Odyssey Trail Runs Until June
From 23 May until 11 June, guests can also explore the attraction’s Turtle Odyssey interactive trail, learning more about sea turtle lifecycles, diets, conservation challenges and evolution.
The experience is included with standard admission tickets, which start from £19.
Visitors can also save money with Merlin’s Multi-Attraction Ticket, offering up to 43% savings when visiting multiple Midlands attractions within 90 days.
How to Book Tickets
For more information and to book tickets, visit the official SEA LIFE Birmingham Turtle Odyssey page.
