As it turns out, being green seems pretty easy.
That’s the conclusion reached Tuesday during a physical examination of Myrtle, an ancient green sea turtle that has entertained visitors to Boston’s New England Aquarium for more than 50 years.
Veterinarians examined Myrtle after the 500-pound reptile was hoisted from the aquarium’s giant ocean tank by chains in a giant box.
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Myrtle is thought to be up to 95 years old, which would put her just beyond the upper limit of this species’ lifespan. But marine aquarium manager Mike O’Neill said the large turtle was in “sturdy condition” despite its age.
O’Neill said there is good reason to believe myrtle will survive for many years to come.
“She’s an icon,” O’Neill said. “One of the really special things we see is parents with children who say, ‘This is Myrtle, I’ve been here since I was a kid.’ She’s multi-generational. It’s making an impact and that’s really special.”
New England Aquarium staff and visitors look on as a giant sea turtle rests in a crate after being removed from its giant ocean tank before a health check on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Boston. About 90 years old in Boston. Weighing about a quarter of a ton, the creature underwent a medical examination that included a blood draw and an eye, mouth and physical examination to ensure it was healthy. (AP Photo/Rodrik Ngowi)
Physically examining giant sea turtles is not an easy task and is done about twice a year. First, a diver guides Myrtle into an underwater box. Then, a team of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and aquarists work together to draw blood from Myrtle, check the range of motion of her flippers, and make sure her eyes, mouth, and nose are functioning properly.
O’Neill said the animal will then undergo an ultrasound examination, be weighed and returned to the ocean tank. Myrtle returned to the marine tank by late Tuesday morning.
Myrtle has been visited by around 50 million people over the decades, during which time it has become accustomed to humans. The aquarium’s website boasts that Myrtle, who arrived from another aquarium in 1970, “loves having her shell scratched.”
Green sea turtles are the second largest species of sea turtle and live in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them as endangered and in decline.
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Myrtle shares her space with a pair of loggerhead sea turtles named Carolina and Retred, who are about half Myrtle’s age and size. O’Neill said Mizuo’s roommate also underwent a medical checkup on Tuesday and that “they’re both doing well.”
