Endangered Species

About this time of year, sea turtles start making their way to NC beaches to lay their eggs. It's a big deal, as sea turtles have been on the endangered list for many years. Hundreds of volunteers scout the beach to report new nests, secure them from predators and help the young to the sea when they hatch.

This is a quiz. Here are three pictures of sea turtles. Only one of them is a real, live sea turtle. Guess which one.

Number one.

Number two.

Number three.

Answer:

1) If you guessed number one, you are not correct. This is actually an eerily well done look alike plaster model at the entrance to the turtle exhibit at the NC Aquarium.

2) If you guessed number two, you are correct. Each year the Aquarium is allowed to keep three new hatchlings to exhibit. They keep them until they reach about eight pounds, which takes roughly one year. Then the turtles are released into the estuary and make their way to the sea. This handsome fellow is eight months old. If you look closely, you can just make out the refection of the expert turtle lady in the water.

3) If you guessed number three, you either need your glasses adjusted, or refilled with a fresh margarita.