Jenks mayor declares 'Seamore Day,' honors Oklahoma Aquarium sea turtle

The Oklahoma Aquarium will host a special ceremony Monday, June 16, to celebrate "Seamore Day," marking a historic honor for its famous resident, Seamore the loggerhead sea turtle.

Mayor Cory Box will proclaim the day in Jenks and present Seamore with a Key to the City at 11 a.m.

A Historic Honor for Seamore

To the aquarium’s knowledge, Seamore will be the first sea turtle in U.S. history to receive a Key to the City.

The event coincides with World Sea Turtle Day, emphasizing the importance of conservation and education.

Seamore’s Story

Seamore was rescued over 30 years ago and found a permanent home at the Oklahoma Aquarium due to a permanent injury to his shell that prevents release back into the wild.

He resides in Sea Turtle Island, an immersive exhibit designed to educate visitors about endangered sea turtles and ocean conservation.

Known as a gentle ambassador for marine education, Seamore has become a guest favorite and a symbol of the aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation through connection.

The Aquarium’s Role in the Community

As Oklahoma’s only ocean and a key regional tourism destination, the Oklahoma Aquarium attracts thousands of visitors yearly, boosting the Tulsa-area economy.

In 2023, tourism in Tulsa generated $1.4 billion in visitor spending and supported more than 13,000 jobs, according to Visit Tulsa.

The aquarium’s educational programs and exhibits, including Seamore’s story, inspire families, school groups, and travelers to learn about wildlife conservation and the environment.

About the Oklahoma Aquarium

The Oklahoma Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 aquatic animals, including the world’s largest collection of bull sharks.

The nonprofit science and education destination is dedicated to inspiring conservation through connection. More information is available at www.okaquarium.org.