Happy California State Marine Reptile Day, honoring the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) — the largest turtle on Earth and California’s official State Marine Reptile, thanks in part to our advocacy! More on this in a post to come. These ancient ocean voyagers have roamed our planet’s seas for over 100 million years, growing up to 7 feet long and weighing nearly 2,000 pounds. Unlike any other sea turtle, leatherbacks have a soft, flexible shell and can dive over 4,000 feet deep in se

5.3K views · 192 reactions | Up, up and away! This life-size model of a leatherback sea turtle is now on display. Designed and constructed by volunteer Phil Daniels, it's the first (and largest) sea turtle model of the five which will hang from the ceiling outside of Wild Wetlands. Be sure to look up during your next visit! | NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island | Facebook