Leatherback sea turtles are the largest of all living turtle species. The largest ever recorded was measured at over 2 meters long and weighed over 2,000 pounds! They are incredible swimmers and using specialized sensors, marine scientists have recorded dives of up to 1,000 meters! Excluding sperm whales and elephant seals, these depths are thought to exceed those of any air-breathing vertebrates.
Here, we are releasing rescued babies into the gulf stream in hopes that they will survive the big blue and grow into mature adults. Note this release was part of a scientific study, baby sea turtles should never be interfered with. At only a few inches long, juvenile Leatherbacks have a tough childhood, and only an estimated 1 in 1,000 will survive to reach sexual maturity. This is why protecting sea turtle nesting grounds and reducing adult mortality are such important steps in protecting these amazing animals!
Music by our friends at @insightful Shot with a @gopro hero 2 with Blurfix Lens by Snake River Prototyping.