Myrtle The Turtle New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium in Boston is home to several fascinating marine creatures, but none are as beloved as Myrtle the turtle. Myrtle, a green sea turtle, has been living at the aquarium since 1970 and has become a favorite among the visitors and staff alike.
Myrtle's Arrival at the New England Aquarium
Myrtle was found stranded on the coast of Cape Cod in 1970. She was suffering from severe hypothermia and was rescued by a local fisherman who brought her to the New England Aquarium for treatment.
After several months of rehabilitation, Myrtle's health improved, but she was deemed unfit for release back into the wild due to the severity of her injuries. The aquarium staff decided to keep her as a resident and since then, Myrtle has been living there, becoming a part of the family.
Myrtle's Home at the Aquarium
Myrtle's home at the New England Aquarium is a 90,000-gallon tank located in the Giant Ocean Tank exhibit. The exhibit is home to over 1,000 marine animals, including sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays.
Myrtle is the largest turtle in the exhibit, weighing in at over 500 pounds and measuring almost three feet in length. Her tank is customized to meet her specific needs and is maintained at a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Myrtle's Personality and Habits
Myrtle has a unique personality and habits that have endeared her to the visitors and staff. She is a voracious eater and loves to munch on lettuce, squid, and shrimp.
She also loves to interact with the aquarium staff, and when she sees her favorite handlers, she swims to the surface to greet them. Myrtle is known for her playful nature, and sometimes she even blows bubbles at the visitors, much to their delight.
Myrtle's Contribution to Research and Education
Myrtle is not just a beloved resident of the New England Aquarium but also a valuable contributor to research and education. The aquarium staff uses Myrtle as a model for studying the behavior and biology of sea turtles.
Myrtle has also played a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of protecting sea turtles and their habitats. The aquarium offers educational programs and exhibits to teach visitors about the threats faced by sea turtles and ways to protect them.
Myrtle's Legacy
Myrtle has been a part of the New England Aquarium for over five decades, and her legacy continues to inspire and educate visitors. In 2020, Myrtle laid her first clutch of eggs, which were incubated and hatched successfully, marking a significant milestone for the aquarium.
The hatchlings were released into the ocean, and the aquarium hopes that they will survive and contribute to the conservation of green sea turtles.
Conclusion
Myrtle the turtle is a beloved resident of the New England Aquarium, and her playful personality and unique habits have made her a favorite among the visitors and staff. Her contribution to research and education has been significant, and her legacy continues to inspire and educate visitors about the importance of protecting sea turtles and their habitats.
