Tonca is turning 55 on Saturday, July 10! Our adored Alligator snapping turtle has been MOSH’s unofficial mascot since 1994. This is the only day of the year Tonca is removed from MOSH’s Hixon Native Plant Courtyard! Come celebrate with us!

Help support Tonca and his friends and experience different levels of interaction on his big day!

Pick your experience below. Each experience goes to support the care and enrichment of Tonca and his friends.

VIT (Very Important Tonca) Experience

$35 Adult* | $32 Youth*

MOSH Members receive 20% Discount*

Check-in for the VIT Experience at 12:45 p.m. in the JEA Science Theater on the 1^st Floor.

Guests have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with Tonca during his annual weigh-in and checkup at 1 p.m. in the JEA Science Theater! The experience level includes:

• General Admission to the Museum
• Complimentary Seating
• A Birthday treat from Tonca donated by Kilwins
• Party Hats to Wish Tonca a Happy Birthday
• A chance to win MOSH Swag
• A chat with Tonca’s Caretakers
• A special animal show with Tonca’s friends

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Virtual Tonca Experience

$9.99 Per Person

Guests have the opportunity of a virtual front row seat of Tonca’s annual weigh-in and checkup! Tune in at 1 p.m. to start your experience. * The day includes:

• A chat with Tonca’s Caretakers
• Interview with a Naturalist
• A special animal show with Tonca’s friends

*Guests will receive an email from MOSH 24 hours prior to the event with Zoom link and directions.

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Other Activities for Tonca’s Big Day!

• Kilwins Ice Cream available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum Entrance, with 25% of the proceeds donated back to MOSH!
• Tonca & Friends Crafts in the Creation Station exhibit on the 1^st Floor
• Animal Show @ 11:30 a.m.*

Turtle Conservation

Come meet the different members of North Florida’s turtle family! Our Naturalists explain how everyday citizens like you can help protect our turtles and their habitats.

*added experience of $5 per person

Sponsorship Level $1500

Give the gift of supporting one of MOSH’s largest living collections specimens, Tonca! The sponsorship level includes:

• VIT Experience during Tonca’s Birthday
• Announcement & Thank You on MOSH’s Social Media Platforms
• Logo featured on promotion materials
• Watercolor of Tonca, painted by local artist
• Private Tour of the Living Collections, Hixon Native Plant Courtyard and the History Collections

For more information on sponsoring Tonca’s big day, please contact MOSH’s Naturalist Center Manager Robin Levine at rlevine@themosh.org