Just Flip ’em

The Ecological Research & Development Group (ERDG), a non-profit wildlife conservation organization founded in 1995 with the primary focus conserving the four remaining horseshoe crab species, announced the flip’em campaign.

Our Just flip ’em! program is designed to bring attention to the hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) who die each year from stranding (stuck upside down) during their yearly spawning ritual and to encourage individuals, through a simple act of compassion, to take the time to assist and appreciate these remarkable creatures, who will not survive public indifference.

The idea is simple: when you see a horseshoe crab that is stranded upside down on the beach, just flip them over. It’s important not to flip them by their tail, however. Even though it looks scary, the tail is very delicate and can be easily damaged. The best way to turn them over is by the edge of their shell. No need to be cautious; the horseshoe crab doesn’t bite or sting and it’s claws are very gentle and won’t hurt you.

Make sure you catch the mp3 of the Just flip’em song!

(Verse 1)
If you take a little walk down by the sea
You just might find some horseshoe crabs washed up on the beach.
And if theyʼre stranded upside down and if their legs are in the air,
Tell yourself, “Iʼm gonna help them out; Iʼm gonna walk right over there.
(Chorus)
Just flip ʻem, flip ʻem over. Flip ʻem over, let them live.
Just flip ʻem, flip ʻem over. They need all the help we have to give them.
Flip ʻem, flip ʻem over and very soon youʼll see
Those horseshoe crabs will be making their way back home to the sea.