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 plastic litter.
Scroll down to find out more about SEA LIFE Paris's Sea Turtles and Terrapins!
Green Sea Turtles
Adult Green Sea Turtles can be found in subtropical and tropical seas of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Ocean… and right here in our ‘Tropical Ocean’ at SEA LIFE Paris with our two rescued turtles, Nathan and Tao!
When they are young, Green Sea Turtles feed on Crabs, Sponges and Jellyfish. 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.
- Plastic bags are deadly to Sea Turtles which often mistaking them for their favorite food, Jellyfish, and choke on them.
- SEA LIFE rescues, rehabilitates and releases many Sea Turtles each year which have been injured or lost their way. Turtle Watch allows you to see what happens to these turtles once they are tagged and released!
- The temperature of the sand in which a Sea Turtle's eggs are buried, determines what gender they will be. If it's warmer they'll be girls, cooler and they'll be boys!
