Leatherback Sea Turtle

ocean · giant reptile · deep diver · endangered

Massive ocean giant. Leatherback sea turtles are the largest turtles alive and can grow up to 2.7 metres long and weigh as much as 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds), making them heavier than any other reptile except crocodiles.

Leather, not bone. Instead of a hard, bony shell like other sea turtles, leatherbacks have a carapace covered in oily flesh and flexible, leather-like skin that gives them their awesome name and helps them move through the ocean more smoothly.

World travelers. Leatherback turtles swim across all the oceans of the world, but they're split into different groups with their own migration routes and breeding areas.

Facing danger. Many leatherback sea turtle populations are in serious trouble and are considered vulnerable or critically endangered, meaning we need to work hard to protect them.