Shelly the Green Sea Turtle
Meet Shelly
Shelly is a beloved member of our sea turtle conservation program, and we are dedicated to ensuring her well-being and the well-being of all sea turtles like her. Our goal is to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats, and to educate the public about the importance of sea turtle conservation.
On this page, you'll have the opportunity to follow along on Shelly's latest adventures and learn all about this incredible species. You'll find updates on Shelly's location, her daily movements, and the sights and sounds of the ocean that she encounters. We'll also share a wealth of information about sea turtle biology, behavior, and conservation, so you can learn all about these fascinating creatures and the important role they play in the ocean's ecosystem.
What are Green Sea Turtles?
Green Sea Turtles, also known as Chelonia mydas, are one of the largest species of sea turtles found in the world's oceans. They are known for their distinctive greenish-colored fat, which gives them their name, and their brown or olive-colored shells. Green Sea Turtles are found in a variety of oceanic habitats, from the shallow coastal waters to the open ocean. They are herbivores, feeding primarily on sea grasses and algae, which makes them unique among sea turtle species.
Fun facts about Green Sea Turtles:
- Named for the greenish color of their fat, not their shells: Despite their name, Green Sea Turtles have a brown or olive-colored shell. The greenish color of their fat is what gave them their name.
- Long-lived: Green Sea Turtles are known for their long lifespan, with some individuals living for more than 80 years in the wild.
- Herbivores: Unlike many other sea turtle species, Green Sea Turtles are herbivores and feed primarily on seagrasses and algae.
- Migration: Green Sea Turtles are migratory, traveling long distances between their feeding and nesting grounds. Some individuals may travel more than 1,400 miles between the two.