Meet the Leatherback Turtle

The Leatherback turtle is the largest species on earth today. They continue to grow their entire life. The leatherback turtle on display at National Museum Cardiff washed ashore in September 1988. Sadly, the turtle had drowned after being trapped by fishing lines. It was approximately 100 years old when it died. The turtle attracted worldwide attention as it measured almost 9ft. in length and weighing  (2,016 pounds). The shell to the left is only a representation of the size being 9ft.  

Hunted nearly to extinction, vintage photos show leatherbacks hanging from scales by trophy hunters that were 11' long and weighed 2500 lbs.  

They are the most Hydrodynamic of all turtles with a tear drop shape allowing them to be very streamlined. Also having the largest flippers of any turtle species. 

The Leatherback to the left carapace measured 6' 8" long 4' 7" wide. The flippers measured just under 10' from tip to tip. It weighed 1250 lbs.  It laid 95 eggs the size of billiard balls.