Quick Take
- Unlike every other turtle you've seen, the leatherback carries a shell built for something most swimmers would never survive. See its unique shell →
- A frightened animal the size of a small car had every reason to fight, and what made it cooperate with the humans trying to free it is worth watching. Watch the rescue unfold →
- Their range spans most of the world's open oceans, yet their wild population fits inside a mid-sized city. That gap is what makes their situation so dangerous. Check the population numbers →
- You can swim alongside these giants in the wild, though most people assume that's off the table. Find out where to swim →
Turtles of any kind are certainly a waterborne treasure. In the video below, we catch a glimpse of a rare leatherback who’s in need of a helping hand. It begins with a sign that something’s not right – some floating debris has obviously been caught up on a shelled friend. The brave camera crew lets no time go to waste, and they quickly move in to the rescue. Although frightened, the trapped reptile soon realizes that these humans mean no harm and could be the only way out. After a lengthy tussle, the heroes manage to free the turtle from its distress. Once untangled, the graceful critter swims off, enriched by the cooperative experience and hopefully with newfound insight on how to stay safe!
This footage was shot on a seafood farm (aquaculture farm) in Canada, specifically Newfoundland. The location makes sense, as the area overlaps with the extremely broad range of the leatherback turtle. These massive critters are found in most open oceans, except for parts of the Indian Ocean and polar zones. You could say these globetrotters really get around!
Let’s think twice about littering the oceans, and then dive into the enormous world of the ocean turtles!
Is The Leatherback Sea Turtle Endangered?
Leatherback sea turtles may be able to live up to 50 years or longer.
©iStock.com/AGAMI stock
Known for being the largest living turtle, the leatherback is unfortunately considered vulnerable by the IUCN. Sadly, their worldwide population is on the decline, with estimates placing the number of nesting females at around 26,000 to 43,000 in the wild. Factors such as habitat destruction and hunting have pushed these wonderful swimmers toward endangered status, but dedicated conservation efforts are in place. If the oceans are cleaned up, and turtle poachers are brought to an end, the leatherback can once again thrive in nature.
Another interesting fact about these huge reptiles is their surprisingly soft shell. While most turtles have a hardened carapace, leatherbacks are among the few to lack this feature. This adaptation protects them from the intense water pressure found at the depths they dive to. How’s that for inborn scuba gear?
Can You Swim With Sea Turtles?
If you want to experience these amazing creatures up close, you’re in luck! Coastal regions like Hawaii and Costa Rica may seasonally offer the chance to swim alongside all sorts of critters, turtles included. Don’t worry about any danger from these gentle giants, as they prefer to eat simply: jellyfish are their favorite snack!
