Turtle Kraals Museum

The restored Turtle Kraals museum is dedicated to educating the public about sea turtle awareness.

In the mid to late 1800s Key West was the center for turtle processing and canning. Turtle soup was considered a delicacy in parts of the United States and especially in Europe.

Turtles caught throughout the Caribbean were shipped to Key West, kept alive by cruelly placing them on their backs.

Upon arrival in Key West, they were kept caged by the docks in what were called 'kraals' until they were slaughtered.

By 1970 the turtle population had been devastated. Turtle canneries went out of business, and the turtle trade came to an end in '71 with the passage of the Endangered Species Act.

Although turtle populations have recovered, today they continue to struggle against man. Plastic and other man-made synthetic materials are being consumed by sea turtles that mistake the debris for food. Unable to digest the matter, the turtles die from starvation.

The museum is often rehablilitating a sea turtle which will be housed in a tank by the enterance. Many locals genuinly care about the well being of sea turtles and the museum does a good job of informing the public about past and present dangers.

200 Margaret Street