A 'shellabration': Discovery World hosts their first-ever Turtle Fest this weekend

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — If you want to get your kids out of their shells this weekend, an event is putting a fun focus on the Midwest's favorite - and slowest - reptile.

It's a chance to meet some Milwaukee "shell-ebrities."

"I really like turtles," said Harper Opetz, fifth grader at Allenton Elementary School.

"I just love all the exhibits and the cool history you get to see sometimes," said her classmate, Aubree Homulos.

Fifth graders Harper and Audree are two of many students taking a trip to the tanks as Discovery World hosts their first-ever Turtle Fest.

"Turtles are absolutely amazing, and they are one of our most favorite creatures here outside Discovery World's Reiman Aquarium," said Paul Fladten, director of marketing and communications at Discovery World.

The four-day party includes turtle-themed crafts and educational opportunities, and starting Friday, up-close and personal encounters with the aquarium's slowest residents.

"You'll meet turtles, some of our coolest guys: Beep and Boop, Salt and Peppa, Wolverine, Linnaeus," Fladten said. "What's really awesome is it's Beep- our ornate box turtle's- birthday on Sunday, so you'll literally be able to see her eat mealworms, a meal-cake, and sing Happy Birthday."

The party is centered around Discovery World's replica of the Great Lakes and locks system, housing the turtles native to our area.

"Our aquarists are actively working with turtles. We want to show everyone what's in our backyard," Fladten explained. "There's a saying: when the turtles are doing well, the Earth is doing well, so keep making sure you're helping out the turtles."

You can join the "shellabration" Thursday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Discovery World.