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Dec 6, 2021

Leatherback Sea Turtle

The Leatherback Sea Turtle belongs to the family Dermochelyidae. As one of the 7 species of sea turtles, the Leatherback is the largest sea turtle weighing about 1,000 lbs. with a length of about 6 ft. This migratory species is known for crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Because of this, they have the widest global distribution of any reptile. Unlike most sea turtles, they do not have a bony shell. Instead, their carapace is large and oily with 7 ridges running the length of the sea turtle. It is covered in a flexible, rubbery-like skin that mimics leather. The most interesting thing about this creature is their process of reproduction. Sea Turtles are a species that lays eggs. Once the Leatherback has reached maturity, they will go back to the same beach they were born at and lay their eggs in the sand. They will continue these “internesting habitats” of going to shore every 10 days to lay eggs for about 4 months. When theses eggs are ready to hatch, they will push themselves out of their own egg and proceed to make their journey to the ocean. Unfortunately, not all the baby sea turtles will make it to the ocean to begin a life because of predators (they have predators on land like birds and some fish once they reach the water). This is why the Leatherback lays so many eggs.


Sea Turtles are near and dear to my heart and are in critical danger due to debris in the ocean and fishing equipment. Please help us Save The Turtles by doing your part! I would love to go and visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center in Jekyll Island, Georgia.


I have provided a video of a baby leatherback sea turtle coming out of its shell! As well as a video of one trying to make it to the ocean. Enjoy!


🐬🐋🦈🐡🐙🐧🦦🐠🦑









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