Green Sea Turtle
Green sea turtles are found in temperate and tropical coastal waters around the world. As adults, they are the only herbivorous sea turtles, foraging on seagrasses and algae. Their diet turns their fat green, hence their name. Green sea turtles are endangered throughout their range. But where protected, many populations are increasing.
Still one tie to land
Green turtles can migrate thousands of miles from foraging grounds to nesting beaches. Following chemical cues, a female returns to the same beach where she hatched. She lays about 100 ping-pong ball-sized eggs in a deep nest, covers them and leaves. Hatchlings instinctively head for the sea. While females come ashore to nest every two to three years, the males never return to land. The loss of nesting beaches due to coastal development and rising sea levels is a threat to all seven species of sea turtles.
A conservation ambassador
Nickel, Shedd's rescued green sea turtle, has been the star of the Caribbean Reef habitat since 2003. She came to Shedd after surviving a boat collision that left a deep gash in her shell and affected her buoyancy—but not her ability to navigate her habitat with ease and learn behaviors that help us care for her. Nickel helps raise awareness about the many threats to her species, including the increasing problem of plastic marine debris, which sea turtles can mistake for food or become entangled in.
Michelle Sattler and Sea Turtle Nickel
Michelle’s relationship with Nickel goes back even before the turtle arrived at Shedd in April 2003.
Decades Later, Scientist Reunites with Sea Turtle He Saved
Scientist Matt Finn rescued injured sea turtle in 1998...and didn't see her again for nearly 20 years afterward, until a heartfelt reunion at Shedd.
A Weighty Anniversary for Nickel
On Nickel’s first day in the 90,000-gallon Caribbean Reef habitat on July 22, 2003, she took to her new home as if she’d always lived there.
Related animals
Red-Headed Side Neck Turtle
Map turtle
Fly River Turtle
Mata Mata Turtle