It's Turtle Time
Turtles are ancient reptiles that have been around for over 200 million years! They shared our planet with the earliest dinosaurs.
There are over 300 species of turtle in our oceans and rivers today and some are critically endangered! They are hunted for their beautiful shells and eggs, and often caught in fishing nets or more destructive fishing practices.
Green sea turtles can be found in subtropical and tropical seas of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Ocean… and you can see two green sea turtles right here in our Ocean Tank at SEA LIFE Michigan!
When they are young, green sea turtles feed on crabs, sponges and jellies. However, adults become completely herbivorous; eating only sea grass and algae which turns the fat inside their body bright green! That’s how they got their name.
Turtles are reptiles so they have to breathe air and are often seen coming to the surface to fill their lungs. They can hold their breath for many hours at a time if they are not stressed, for example when they go to sleep.
If you visit us towards the end of they day you might spot Benson, our rescued green sea turtle, settling down to sleep between some of our Sea Queen's tentacles! Click here to learn more about Benson >>
Plastic bags are deadly to sea turtles because they mistake them for their favorite food, jellies, and choke on them.
SEA LIFE aquariums around the world rescue and rehabilitate many injured or sick sea turtles each year.
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The temperature of the sand in which a sea turtle's eggs are buried determines what gender they will be. If the sand is warmer, they'll be girls. In cooler sand, they'll be boys!
