The Journey Plush - Leatherback

“Since most research conducted on marine turtles has been carried out on nesting beaches and well over 90% of a sea turtle’s life is spent in the water—feeding, mating, migrating and doing whatever else a sea turtle does when no one is watching, we are missing important information that can help us better protect sea turtles. In particular, to adequately protect sea turtles in all their habitats, we must learn more about their migratory patterns, their behavior at sea, where their marine habitats are located, how the turtles use these different habitats, and the migration routes turtles travel between habitats. Satellite telemetry (following an object on the earth with the use of orbiting satellites) has advanced to the stage of allowing researchers to track turtles in the open ocean after attaching a Platform Terminal Transmitter (PTT) to the back of a sea turtle.” – Sea Turtle Conservancy

To learn more about why sea turtles are tracked, visit our partner directly at conserveturtles.org.

“There are currently three common methods to attach a transmitter to a sea turtle. Two methods are for all sea turtles, except leatherbacks. The first of these methods uses fiberglass and resin to create a hard cover that goes over the transmitter and attaches to the shell. The second method uses a non-heat epoxy to “glue” the bottom of the transmitter to the turtle’s shell. Because of their unique shell, neither of these methods can be used for a leatherback. Instead, the transmitter is attached directly through the dorsal ridge.” – Sea Turtle Conservancy

To learn more about how sea turtles are tracked, visit our partner directly at conserveturtles.org.

“Proper attachment methods are designed not to harm the sea turtle, damage its shell or increase the turtle’s chances of being tangled. While researchers continue to modify and develop new techniques to reduce any impacts to sea turtles, having a transmitter attached does create some additional drag while the turtle is swimming. Researchers have recorded females returning to successfully nest after having a transmitter attached, which suggests that having a transmitter does not impact a sea turtle’s migration, feeding and mating behavior.” – Sea Turtle Conservancy

To learn more, visit our partner directly at conserveturtles.org.

Leatherbacks typically grow 4–6 ft (130–183 cm) long and tip the scales at 660 to 1,100 lb (300–500 kg). The largest leatherback ever recorded measured in at a whopping 10 ft (305 cm) from tip to tail, and weighed 2,019 lb (916 kg)!

Leatherbacks are the most well-traveled of all sea turtle species, found around the globe. Their powerful flippers enable them to swim thousands of miles, and their range extends as far south as the tip of Africa and as far north as Alaska! They’re the only known reptile to remain active at such low water temperatures.

The leatherback’s scissor-like jaws are quite delicate and specially designed for an almost exclusive jellyfish diet. Jellyfish are not very nutrient-rich and contain mostly water, so it’s surprising that these colossal turtles can survive on them.

Wipe with damp sponge or cloth, using warm water and mild soap. Once dry, brush to restore the plush and proceed with snuggling.