When turtles mate, the males attach themselves to the female and the courtship occurs for several hours. SEVERAL HOURS! In the animal kingdom courtship usually happens as quick as a flash. Some humans might also say the same….
Once the male turtles have finished their business, they will stay attached to the female to prevent other males from attempting to mate. This doesn’t come without consequence though, other male turtles will bite the male’s tail and flippers repeatedly to try and force him to let go. This can tear flesh and cause bleeding.
Unfortunately for the females, once the male is done and unattached himself, other males will make an attempt to attach themselves and the process repeats itself.
This behaviour exhausts the females and they often seek refuge on the beach and will make their way out of the water in order to rest. The males eagerly wait in the shallows however for her to return. There’s no escape.
So with all things considered, what are your thoughts? Is the female lucky to be so highly desired?
Googly Eyed Turtle is Being Relocated!! 🤯
Part of the daily care for our rescued sea turtles involves scrubbing the algae from their shells using hand scrubbies or brushes.
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We not only do this for their own healthcare, but also because they seem to enjoy the feeling of having their shell scrubbed. Turtle’s shells are made out of keratin (like our fingernails) and contain nerve endings so they experience sensation through them. In the wild, sea turtles rub and scratch on any surface they have available, such as reef structures. Presumably it feels like getting a nice back scratch 😊
It’s that time of year again….
There are some days where you get this feeling something special is going to happen. These are the days as a photographer you dream about. I’ve been wanting to film mating turtles for two years and have so far had no luck. But all that changed in this very special day.
At the crack of dawn I jumped out my bed to see the ocean as flat as a lake. There was no wind. As the sun started to climb higher and higher, it brought out the island colour palette we all know and love. Crystal clear water that fades to turquoise and to blue. Enjoying this beautiful waters were two lovers. Two green sea turtles.
Because the conditions were so flat, I was able to climb onto a paddle board and film their mating ritual on my phone. The mating practise tends to go for several hours so once I caught what I needed topside, I put my phone into a @jobyinc seapal and swam out to film them underwater. Capturing both perspectives was a beautiful sight and taught me so much about their mating practises.
I filmed this all on my phone because I want to show you that you don’t need all this crazy expensive gear to experience your own David Attenborough moment. The best camera is the one you have on your at the time.
A Video I Should NOT Have to Make.
Someone Felt in Love but No Privacy 🐛
Going on Vacation Problems or Love to be Back? 😅🥰
Can Turtles Feel Through the Shell? 😳
Bruce the Tremendous Tortoise High Fives Me 🙌🏻
Every day in the heart of Tokyo, Hisao Mitani and his giant tortoise, Bon-chan, take a slow, steady stroll through the bustling streets. Their walks have become a familiar and endearing sight, offering a serene moment amidst the city's fast pace. The bond between man and tortoise reflects years of companionship and a shared appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
Stronger than Duck Tape 😬🤭
Mikey a few Years Ago trying to Eat a Slug 😋
Splinter was eating Some Mash with a Dubia Roach Friend 😬
