Apr
24Sea Turtle Friday, part one – elegant, gravely endangered.
Filed Under (Aquariums, conservation, sea turtles) by Alexa & Cindy on 24-04-2009
Tagged Under : conservation, sea turtles
They’re not freaky, they’re graceful, almost mesmerizing to watch glide through the water.
They look old and wise.
And patient, like seasoned survivors.
But time may be running out for sea turtles.
O4E wants you to consider getting behind sea turtles and their future on earth. Who wants the world’s oldest surviving creature to die off by human hands?
We recently spent some time watching, and waiting, at the Tennessee Aquarium. Just a glimpse was all we wanted.
Watch how Stewie rewarded our patience, and catch our message.
Already know all about sea turtles, you say?
Then put it to the test and take eleven year-old Casey Sokolovic’s sea turtle quiz. Hint: save your answers, because there may be a CONTEST coming on…and OK, maybe we helped you out on one of the answers. 
The LAST (Love A Sea Turtle) Quiz
1. What is the biggest threat for sea turtles?
A. Jellyfish
B. Humans
C. Fish
2.Out of the seven species of sea turtles, how
many are found along the East Coast/Atlantic Ocean?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
3.What is the largest type of sea turtle?
A. Leatherback
B. Loggerhead
C. Hawksbill
4. How long can sea turtles live?
A. 35-40 years
B. 65-70+ years
C. 10-15 years
5. Where do sea turtles lay their eggs?
A. In the sand
B. In the ocean
C. In an egg sack
It’s OK if you were nervous, we were, too.
Coming up: ways to learn about, and ways to help sea turtles – “on location” in their habitat, and from your own home.
I’m a volunteer diver at the South Carolina aquarium. They warned me that while the sharks in the big tank will never bother people, the big sea turtle (cleverly named Caretta) is a JERK. The combination of poor eyesight, a sharp and strong beak, and a brain the size of a walnut make these guys more of a threat to swimmers than most realize.
That’s why I’m so grateful for tiger sharks helping to rid the world of this menace, one lunch at a time.
It’s really sad to see that sea turtles are becoming less and less common. I got a video from my brother in Hawaii of sea turtles in the wild about six months ago and it was absolutely stunning.. They are graceful elegant and unbelievable all in one. I really hope the word gets out about these wonderful creatures before time runs out!
-Sylvia